Fox News articles are now available in an audio format, allowing listeners to stay informed while on the go. According to AAA, the current average price of gasoline across the United States is $3.52 per gallon, but this figure varies greatly between states. California, which typically has the highest gas prices in the nation, is currently at an astonishing $4.85 per gallon. However, this year, Washington state has surpassed California with a hefty price of $4.98 per gallon. The reason for these high prices is clear – both states have implemented costly climate change policies that have had an impact on gas prices. This situation provides lessons for the rest of the country.
While California’s gasoline tax is at a uniform rate of 18.4 cents per gallon, the state also has higher state taxes compared to the national average of 39 cents per gallon. In addition, strict state refinery regulations and gasoline specifications contribute to the higher gas prices. However, what truly sets Washington and California apart is their climate policies specifically targeting gasoline.
California has implemented a low carbon fuel standard and cap and trade program, both of which have been in place for years and are estimated to add an additional 47 cents per gallon to the current gas prices. Washington, on the other hand, has recently enacted its stringent Climate Commitment Act, which effectively puts a price on the carbon content of gasoline sold in the state. This law is a significant reason behind the estimated 35 to 52 cent increase in prices compared to neighboring states. The law is set to become even more stringent in the coming years. While proponents of these climate policies argue that the price increases are necessary to encourage drivers to switch away from gasoline and combat climate change, they have also shifted blame to fuel producers for manipulating market prices higher. However, the price increases align with the per gallon cost of the program.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee, who considers climate change the “defining challenge of our time,” has attempted to deflect blame for his support of the Climate Commitment Act and the impact on consumers. He has made unsupported claims of industry price gouging and pointed out a pipeline maintenance issue, but neighboring Oregon, served by the same pipeline, has gas prices 35 cents lower. Inslee has shown reluctance to make changes to the law to minimize the burden on consumers.
This situation serves as a warning to other states and the federal government. Any efforts to penalize gasoline for its perceived contribution to climate change will undoubtedly result in higher gas prices. Unfortunately, the Biden administration supports these policies and is moving the country in the same direction through various measures aimed at addressing climate change. These measures include limiting oil leasing on federal lands, opposing projects like the Keystone XL pipeline, imposing new fees on drilling operations, and pressuring banks to withhold lending to oil companies. Over time, these actions could lead to nationwide gas prices similar to those currently experienced in Washington and California.
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