PUYALLUP… Washington families deserve an honest discussion about why they continue to pay some of the highest gasoline prices in America, says Sen. Chris Gildon.
In a May 20 letter, Gildon urged Gov. Bob Ferguson to temporarily suspend the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) as a way to provide immediate relief at the pump while fuel prices remain a major burden on working families and small businesses.
Ferguson has yet to address that request directly; instead, a spokesperson chose to focus on international events and federal policies.
“Global events certainly influence fuel prices, and no one disputes that,” said Gildon. “What’s disappointing is the unwillingness to acknowledge that Washington’s own policies also play a role and that the governor has the ability to take action if he chooses.”
Washington has consistently ranked among the states with the highest gasoline prices in the nation since implementation of the CCA in 2023. At the same time, neighboring states without similar policies continue to see lower fuel costs.
“Reasonable people can debate exactly how much of the price difference is attributable to the Climate Commitment Act,” Gildon said. “What cannot be debated is that the governor has an opportunity to consider temporary relief and apparently is choosing not to.”
Gildon emphasized that his request is not to permanently repeal the state’s climate policies but to temporarily suspend a program that increases costs at a time when many families are already struggling with inflation, housing costs, utility bills, and other financial pressures.
“Leadership is about balancing priorities and responding to the challenges people are facing right now,” Gildon said. “I am not asking the governor to abandon his climate goals. I am asking him to consider temporary relief for Washingtonians who are paying some of the highest fuel prices in the country.”
The senator said Washington residents deserve a transparent explanation from state leaders about the costs associated with the state’s climate policies and whether those are producing results that justify the burden placed on consumers.
“If the governor believes these policies are worth the additional cost, he should make that case directly to the people of Washington,” Gildon said. “What he should not do is pretend state policy has little or nothing to do with the prices Washington families pay at the pump.”
“Washingtonians expect leaders to confront difficult issues honestly. They deserve more than finger-pointing. They deserve answers, accountability, and a willingness to consider every reasonable option for providing relief.”