Work ahead yet for legislators

Nobody said the road to compromise was going to be straight and smooth.

The state Senate on Monday indeed passed a $15 billion transportation package that required compromise and some discomfort for both parties in voting for things they normally wouldn’t support. For Republicans that meant a nearly 12-cent-a-gallon gas tax increase, phased in between this summer and 2016. For Democrats, it meant allowing some labor and sales tax reforms, as well as letting stand for now what some consider a “poison pill.”

Unless the state Department of Ecology and Gov. Jay Inslee — and any governors following him during the next 16 years — agree not to pursue a low-carbon fuel standard that would require refineries to reduce the carbon emitted by their fuels, the legislation would strip millions in the transportation package from public transit and multi-modal projects and transfer it strictly to highway projects.

Senate Bill 5987 passed, 27-22, supported by three of the county’s delegation but opposed by four. The seven were at least bipartisan in their opposition or support.

What passed out of the Senate contains much that is worthy of support and crucial to our economy, including $570 million worth of projects for Snohomish County. Republicans in the Senate, specifically Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, backed the addition of much of that $570 million when Gov. Inslee’s transportation budget outlined only $82 million. We’ve made the point repeatedly how important this investment in Snohomish County’s transportation infrastructure is, not just for the county and its commuting residents, but for the state as a whole because of what it means for our manufacturing and aerospace industries.

But despite the compromises it contains, more give and take will be necessary, including some attention to that “poison pill.”

The low-carbon fuel standard and the governor’s proposal for a carbon tax are relatively new ideas and will likely require more investigation and discussion before they can gain broader support. But the Senate bill’s 16-year threat to strip funding for public transit projects, which are key to moving people to and from jobs efficiently and cleanly, is heavy handed and short-sighted.

The cost of a low-carbon fuel standard would certainly make its way down to the pump, but there’s debate about what that cost would be. The high-end estimate is 20 cents a gallon, although the state Office of Financial Management estimates the cost at 10 cents a gallon by 2026. But much of that cost could depend on technological advancements in reformulating fuels, and 16 years is a long time to ignore advancements in technology.

The House now has the opportunity to find further compromises in the transportation package. One compromise ought to remove the threat to funding for public transit projects in exchange for a reasonable moratorium on the low-carbon fuel standard while its costs and benefits are studied and gain greater acceptance.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, May 20

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

A visitor takes in the view of Twin Lakes from a second floor unit at Housing Hope’s Twin Lakes Landing II Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Housing Hope’s ‘Stone Soup’ recipe for community

With homelessness growing among seniors, an advocate calls for support of the nonprofit’s projects.

Douthat: What guides Trump policy is a doctorine of the deal

Hawk or dove, former friend or foe; what matters most is driving a bargain, for good or ill.

Friedman: The uncertainties facing Biden and the world order

Biden, facing infirmities of mind and body, still understands the mission of America in the world.

Comment: GOP’s tax cut bill is ill-timed for economic moment

If a recession does hit, it’s the lower- and middle-income who can spend the economy’s way out; not the rich.

Comment: AmeriCorps staffers were making America healthy again

A modest stipend for students was providing experience and value. Until the Trump administration fired them.

Comment: When should judges have power to tell a president no?

Birthright citizenship is clearly law. What was up for debate is the fate of nationwide injunctions.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, May 19

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Cuts to Medicaid will make fentanyl fight harder

Medicaid’s expansion is helping many get the addiction treatment they need, reversing the crisis.

Comment: PBS, NPR need funding, and a good shake-up

PBS’s best dramas come from British TV. It needs to produce its own money-makers like ‘Downton Abbey.’

Saunders: Why did Tapper wait until now to admit Biden’s decline?

It was clear to voters long before Biden dropped out. Yet, now the CNN host has a book to sell.

Wildfire smoke builds over Darrington on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 in Darrington, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Loss of research funds threat to climate resilience

The Trump administration’s end of a grant for climate research threatens solutions communities need.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.