The progressive left has found success in some media outlets by labeling those who doubt humans are causing the destruction of the planet “climate deniers.” [emphasis, links added]
But for those who doubt whether progressive climate policies are worth the cost, they may have a harder time.
New polling suggests the growing population could soon create a majority in a reliably Democratic state.
Sensible skeptics may have varying degrees of confidence in contemporary climate science, but they appear to be united against the junk economics advanced in its name.
Regular readers of this column know Gov. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) is deceptive by pretending that his “cap and invest” climate plan won’t come with high costs.
When the truth about skyrocketing gasoline prices is revealed, The governor blames businesses rather than admitting fault.
Now, a national whistleblower trying to sound the alarm before consumers suffer is filing a lawsuit.
In addition to a legal reckoning, there may also be a political reckoning.
The Inslee plan imposes increasingly tight limits on carbon emissions, requiring industries to pay for fossil fuel use and then spend the money on inefficient green projects.
But voters didn't like the outcome of this 2021 law, nor did they like another special Inslee bill enacted this year aimed at blocking the use of natural gas appliances. Amanda Zhou and Claire Withycombe report for The Seattle Times:
A new statewide poll shows The state's carbon pricing plan and recently passed energy regulations could run into trouble this November.
If both initiatives win voter approval, they could jeopardize some of the state's leading environmental policies.
Initiative 2117 would shut down the state's carbon pricing system launched last year that has raised more than $2 billion from the state, the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Initiative 2066, which has not yet qualified for the ballot, would explicitly protect the use of natural gas and threaten recently passed energy regulations and laws.
In a new WA poll, 48 per cent of 708 likely voters said they would definitely vote for an initiative to scrap the carbon market. (bold)
Fully 54% say they would definitely vote to repeal Inslee natural gas lawaccording to a WA poll sponsored by The Seattle Times, KING-TV and the Center for an Informed Public at the University of Washington.
Maybe the governor has seen similar polls. Although he is not running for re-election He is suddenly back in campaign mode to protect the legacy of his regulatory madness.
Hallie Golden reported for The Associated Press in Silverdale, Washington:
Standing at a transportation center near four new wireless bus charging stations in a small West Seattle community, Gov. Jay Inslee told transportation and city leaders that the money to pay for them – more than $1 million – will come from where.
“This is only possible because of the Climate Pledge Act,” Inslee said, citing a plan to reduce pollution while raising money for investments to combat climate change. “This is the source. This is the only way we can do this.
Inslee made similar remarks while touring a salmon habitat restoration project and then test-driving a vehicle from a fleet of all-electric ride-sharing companies that the three-term Democrat has defended in recent months. His term was terminated in a fierce conservative-led repeal drive as part of a blitz on the biggest climate achievement. Inslee, who is not seeking a fourth term, has participated in more than a dozen legal-funded projects and put his name to a series of emails, text messages and phone calls to constituents in his private time.
Is this another Inslee climate deception? Ms. Golden reports:
State law prohibits the governor's office from hosting political or campaign events, so Inslee has been careful to say he would appear at programs funded by the climate law regardless of whether there is a repeal vote.
Well.
As if Mr. Inslee’s credibility needed another hit, Jerry Kornfield reported for the Washington State Standard last month:
State revenue forecasts released Wednesday show Funds raised will be nearly $500 million less than lawmakers expected earlier this yearprimarily due to lower capital gains tax revenue and lower consumer spending.
In the budget cycle ending June 30, 2025, Washington's economy is expected to generate $66.5 billion in revenue. 477 million US dollars. (bold)
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Top image of Governor Jay Inslee via YouTube/screencap
Read “Break” from The Wall Street Journal
