Washington State Now Has the Nation’s Highest gas Prices,Exceeding California
Washington state is currently experiencing the highest average gas prices in the United States,surpassing even California,a state historically known for its expensive fuel. as of September 14th, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Washington reached $4.66, according to AAA, considerably exceeding the national average of $3.18. california’s average price stands at $4.64 per gallon.
The Seattle metropolitan area bears the brunt of the high costs, with an average price of $4.81 per gallon. This surge is attributed to a combination of factors,including the state’s already high gas taxes and costs associated with climate initiatives,compounded by recent tax increases.
A new gas tax implemented on July 1st added 6 cents per gallon of unleaded, increasing Washington’s per-gallon tax rate from 49.4 cents to 55.4 cents. Moreover, prices are slated to rise 2% annually to adjust for inflation, with diesel prices increasing by an additional 3 cents in two years, followed by a 2% annual increase starting in 2028.
In addition to the gas tax, Washington’s CO2 emissions tax from the Climate Commitment Act also increased by 6 cents recently.While some blame this law – which requires businesses to pay fees for air pollution – for the price hikes, the State Department of Ecology maintains it isn’t the primary driver, noting a recent increase of just over three cents per gallon mirrored a national trend. Revenue generated from the CO2 emissions tax, totaling approximately $3.2 billion in its first two and a half years, is allocated to programs focused on reducing carbon emissions, expanding rural public transit, and supporting individuals with disabilities.
Seattle drivers are expressing mixed reactions to the rising costs. Timothy Durden, a Seattle resident, told KOMO News, ”Seattle doesn’t pay [any] money on the infrastructure here. You go down I-5,it bumps everything. So, I don’t think we spend enough money on that.” Another Seattle resident, Quinn Sullivan, commented, ”We’re basically California now with our gas prices.”
Drivers are actively seeking the best deals, with some reporting prices nearing $5 a gallon near the airport prior to the July tax increase. The escalating prices are causing concern among those planning holiday travel.
