There’s an upside to higher prices at the pump

Higher gas prices are good for our environment

While some complain about the high gas prices in Washington state, we need to recognize that higher gas prices give us cleaner air as some folks switch to electric vehicles or drive less. The increased price on fossil fuels also incentivizes increased generation of renewable energy.

As we transition away from fossil fuels, it will protect us from the unexpected volatility of oil prices on the world markets due to political events, like the Ukraine war or most recent hostilities in Israel.

We need a national price on carbon — not just in Washington state — with revenues raised returned to the Americans. This will help low- and middle-income families break even or come out ahead.

So instead of taking a knee-jerk reaction that gas prices are bad, look at the long-term benefits of cleaner air, more stable energy prices, and good paying jobs in the expanding renewable industry

Kristi Weir

Bellevue