Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… British Columbia’s government has announced the swift repeal of its consumer carbon tax, drawing praise from Sen. Matt Boehnke, lead Republican on the state Senate’s energy committee.

“British Columbia’s leadership has finally acknowledged what conservatives have been saying for years: carbon taxes harm working families and do little to significantly reduce emissions,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick.

“By fast-tracking the elimination of this unnecessary tax, B.C is putting money back into the pockets of hardworking citizens and pushing back against ineffective climate policies that disproportionately affect lower- and middle-income people.”

The province’s residents expected to see a 17-cent-per-liter drop in gas prices as early as this week.  It’s a stark contrast to the consequences of carbon-pricing schemes in Washington, where fuel costs have been among the highest in the United States for close to two years.

“Here in Washington, we are seeing the negative effects of our own carbon tax policies firsthand,” Boehnke said. “Washingtonians are paying far more at the pump than our neighbors to the east and south; now the neighbors to the north are enjoying immediate relief. It’s time for our state to take a hard look at how these policies are burdening our families and businesses.”

The provincial government’s decision to repeal the consumer carbon tax comes amidst increasing public frustration over affordability and the broader economic impact of carbon pricing. While the B.C. government has indicated it will continue to impose carbon pricing on industrial emitters, the repeal of the consumer tax signals a shift in public sentiment that can no longer be ignored.

“Washington state leaders should take note—when even progressive governments admit that carbon taxes are failing to deliver real benefits and instead hurting working people, it’s time for a serious policy rethink,” Boehnke said. “We need solutions that promote innovation and economic growth without punishing those who can least afford it.”

As British Columbia moves forward with this significant policy reversal, Boehnke calls on Washington legislators to consider similar relief measures for struggling families and small businesses.

The 105-day legislative session began Jan. 13 and is scheduled to conclude on April 27.

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