Low-Carbon Fuel Standards will Increase Gas and Housing Prices

January 20, 2020

BIAW testified in the Senate Energy, Environment, and Technology Committee last week against the Senate version of a low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS), SB 5412. SB 5412 and the house version HB 1110 would require reductions in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels. The costs of this increase for consumers, may not be workable and has a limited environmental benefit.

California’s program has increased the price of gas by 13.3 cents per gallon, with that number expected to grow to between 44 and 71 cents once fully implemented. It also adds to the price of housing, building costs, and construction crews because of the gas it costs for delivery of materials to a jobsite.

In addition to BIAW’s opposition in the state Legislature to a LCFS, BIAW has been actively opposing a regional version proposed by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA). PSCAA’s proposal would require similar reductions in carbon intensity for fuels in Pierce, Kitsap, King, and Snohomish Counties. PSCAA has refused to cite its authority to adopt and implement such a rule but has continued to push forward to encourage the Legislature to adopt a statewide standard instead. BIAW has been actively engaged in pointing out the additional costs for homebuilders.

PSCAA has added more public hearings if you would like to speak about the impact to housing affordability:

Everett
Thursday, January 30, 2020 from 4 – 7 p.m.
Everett Public Library – Main Branch Auditorium
2702 Hoyt Avenue, Everett, WA 98201

Bremerton
Tuesday, February 4, 2020 from 4 – 7 p.m.
Kitsap Conference Center Ballroom
100 Washington Avenue, Bremerton, WA 98337

Tacoma
Wednesday, February 5, 2020 from 4 – 7 p.m.
Tacoma Public Library – Main Branch, Olympia Room
1102 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402