A pair of bills that will make energy more expensive in Washington were signed into law.

House Bill 1589 allows Puget Sound Energy to end natural gas services for its customers.

While this will directly affect our neighbors to the west, it represents a concerning trend toward eliminating an important fuel source that people use to cook their food and stay warm in the winter. Access to affordable, reliable energy is critical for our economic growth and prosperity. Shutting down natural gas will make Washington vulnerable to energy shortages and rationing, similar to what we see in California.

Senate Bill 6058 amends the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) to allow Washington to link its carbon markets with California and Quebec. We’ve already seen the economic impact of the state’s carbon tax: it has increased the cost of regular gasoline by about 50 cents per gallon. This latest change will only make the problem worse. California has higher fuel prices, higher housing costs, and higher electricity costs than Washington. Entering into binding agreements with them, with few protections for Washington consumers, is a recipe for disaster.

GUN BILLS: ATTACKS ON YOUR SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS DO NOT ADDRESS ROOT PROBLEMS

Communities statewide are facing increased crime alongside diminishing law enforcement resources. Citizens are increasingly relying on their Second Amendment rights for protection.

Unfortunately, this session saw the majority party pass three bills further eroding these rights. House Bill 1903 requires lawful gun owners to report the loss or theft of their firearm within 24 hours of discovering its disappearance or face a $1,000 fine, Senate Bill 5444 tightens carry restrictions, and

House Bill 2118 imposes burdensome regulations on firearm businesses, which could lead to many business closures.

Worse yet, while penalizing law-abiding citizens, the majority party introduced bills seeking to reduce criminal penalties, neglecting the root causes of crime. With rising crime and limited law enforcement, firearms serve as essential tools for self-defense and family safety. Until we address the underlying issues fueling