'Washington's inflated fuel prices are not because of big oil,

Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, and ranking Republican on the House Environment and Energy Committee, issued the following statement in response to a news conference held by Gov. Jay Inslee today where he blamed the oil industry for sky-high fuel prices in Washington state.

“Washington state has the highest gas prices in the nation because of the governor’s cap-and-trade program that took effect in January. Governor Inslee’s new climate mandate, which is the most expensive of its kind in the nation, has forced fuel prices to rise by 50 cents per gallon in our state. This means about 500-dollars more to the average Washington family per year. This program is costing consumers three times more than the Legislature was told.

“Washington’s inflated fuel prices are not because of big oil, but because of big government gouging Washingtonians.

“Washington state also has the eighth highest gas tax in the nation at 49.4 cents per gallon of fuel, yet we have terrible roads, unreliable ferries, an alarming increase in traffic fatalities, and horrible traffic congestion. Combine this with the cap-and-trade hidden tax, it means nearly one dollar of every gallon of gasoline goes to state government, not big oil.

“Idaho ranks eighth best in the nation for quality of road conditions, yet their residents pay at least a dollar a gallon less for their fuel than Washington. Idaho’s government is taxing less and providing better services.

“These fuel prices are affecting everyone in our state, from the costs at the grocery store, to moms and dads just trying to transport their kids to daycare and commute to work. Those citizens and the pain they are feeling in their budgets are our first concern. The governor championed this law and he needs to accept the state’s responsibility of these higher prices.”