Washington state’s so-called leadership on climate policy has been a disaster: it has backfired.
Although the investments have been made and the words from Olympia have been said, CO2 emissions increased by 4.7% since 2012.
For a state that claims to be at the forefront of the fight against climate change, this is simply unacceptable.
The actions of Gov. Jay Inslee’s administration have included the implementation of costly climate regulations, and these are where the results are stunning.
As pointed out by the Washington Policy Center, the state has not even come close to the achievements set as the goals and objectives. By 2021, CO2 emissions had not only increased from the 2012 levels, but also exceeded the 2020 target stipulated in the state law.
The 2030 target is now seen as being virtually impossible to achieve, and to meet it Washingtonians would have to see cuts comparable to more than three further COVID-style lockdowns before 2030, as pointed out by the Washington Policy Center.
Understand? Three more economic and social closures.
This raises a crucial question — what exactly has all this spending accomplished? Billions have been funneled into politically favored projects with little accountability and even less to show for it. Washington’s CO2 tax, introduced to accelerate emissions reductions, has merely added to the financial burden on families and businesses while perpetuating the same wasteful spending habits.
Adding insult to injury, the state Department of Ecology has failed to comply with state law mandating biennial CO2 emissions reports. The most recent data available is from 2021, even as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has already released 2022 data for all states.
This lack of transparency highlights a glaring deficiency: how can policymakers make informed decisions when they’re working with data that is years out of date?
Some questions for taxpayers:
How much more are you willing to pay in taxes for climate initiatives that fail to deliver measurable results?
Are you prepared to endure the equivalent of three additional COVID-19 shutdowns to meet arbitrary CO2 reduction goals?
Should billions in new tax revenue be spent on politically motivated projects, or should that money be returned to taxpayers?
Why can’t Washington’s government provide timely emissions data when private companies like Microsoft can?
The one-party rule in Washington has led to the formation of an echo chamber where people in power promote ideas rather than get things done. The same politicians who supported these policies that have been proven to be unsuccessful ask for more time and money to be invested in them.
This is not leadership; this is insanity.
It’s time for a fundamental shift in how Washington approaches climate policy. Instead of doubling down on failed strategies, let’s focus on empowering innovative companies and individuals. Private-sector ingenuity has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to deliver meaningful results at a fraction of the cost of government programs.
Additionally, state leaders must commit to transparency and accountability. Emissions data should be published promptly, as required by law, and taxpayer dollars should be directed toward projects that deliver tangible environmental benefits.
If the government can’t meet these basic standards, it has no business imposing new taxes or regulations on its citizens.
Washingtonians care deeply about the environment, but good intentions are no substitute for effective policy.
The current path is unsustainable and unfair to the families and businesses that bear the brunt of its failures.
Let’s demand better before more money is wasted and more freedoms are sacrificed on the altar of inept governance.
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Chad Taylor is publisher and co-owner of The Chronicle. He can be reached by email at chad@chronline.com.
