State makes third try at carbon fee and gas tax increase

2-22-2019

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington lawmakers proposed a carbon fee as part of a $17 billion transportation funding package.

This is the state’s third proposed policy aimed at limiting the greenhouse gas since 2018 and, if passed, it would be the first of its kind in the nation.

The proposed fee would be set at $15 per ton, raising nearly $8 billion over the next ten years.

The funding package also includes a fuel tax increase at 6 cents per gallon and would fund projects involving highway maintenance, Washington State Ferries, and culvert replacement projects.

KING 5 reports the package would also raise fees on commercial and private vehicles, auto parts, and property development.