Expect to pay more at the pump

CHENEY – A local state lawmaker says residents can expect to pay more at the pump in the coming months.

According to Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, Senate Bill 5126, approved by Democrats in the Legislature during the last session, will drive up prices more.

Sen.Schoesler represents the 9th Legislative District, which includes southern Spokane County.

“I know some of you hope to see gas prices drop closer to $4 per gallon someday,” he said. “Unfortunately, thanks to the recent “cap-and-trade” law (Senate Bill 5126), passed by the Legislature’s Democrat majority at Gov. Inslee’s request, gas prices in Washington will be going up again.

Schoesler pointed to a Washington Policy Center report to back up his assertion.

In the report, prices will rise a projected 56 cents per gallon after Jan. 1. That amount is expected to add an additional 80 cents per gallon in 2030.

Meanwhile, the bill will increase the cost of diesel fuel 97 cents per gallon by 2030, the report said.

On Sunday, GasBuddy.com reported the least expensive nearby fuel prices as follows: $4.38 in Airway Heights, $4.65 in Cheney, $4.69 In Medical Lake, $4.84 in Colfax, $4.85 in St. John and $4.76 in Ritzville.