Gaslighting at a gas station

Are I-2117 promoters selling cheaper gas, or snake oil? At a gas station in Federal Way today, they tried to claim that Washington’s cap-and-invest Climate Commitment Act is the reason our state’s gas prices are above the national average. It’s true that Washington gas prices are higher than the national average. But here’s a truth that the initiative backers omit, yet Washingtonians know: Our gas prices have been higher than the national average every year since the EIA started reporting Washington prices in 2003, long before the CCA was even conceived.

And guess what?

Gas prices in Washington state are lower today than two years ago, before the Climate Commitment Act went into effect.

And…

The gap between Washington and the national average is actually lower today than two years ago, before the Climate Commitment Act went into effect.

“Implying that gas prices will match the national average if I-2117 passes is gaslighting, and insults the intelligence of Washington residents,” said Michael Mann, Executive Director of Clean & Prosperous Washington.

I-2117 does not guarantee that prices will drop to the national average – as clearly demonstrated by declining prices for two straight years – but it does guarantee bad air, as it would decrease funding for investments in transportation, clean air, renewable energy, conservation, and emissions-reduction.

The Washington State Office of Financial Management’s analysis of Initiative 2117 estimates that overall, the state would lose out on $3.8 billion in proceeds from auctions between December, when the measure would take effect, and June 30, 2029. Examples of projects and programs that would see funding reduced or eliminated in the current budget include $42 million for construction of hybrid-electric ferries and electrification of ferry terminals; $29.9 million for public bus and transit facility projects; and $5 million in grants for electric boats for tribes. Not to mention the  $200 home energy rebates for lower-income residents.

The I-2117 campaign’s traveling road show pitched camp at a Federal Way Marathon station to peddle their claim that gas prices will drop to match the national average if their initiative passes.

We appreciate a clever stunt as much as anyone, but don’t believe that false promises will fool Washington voters.