Rep. Joe Schmick joins Glenn Vaagen of Pacific NW Ag Network to discusses his bill to reimburse farmers for ‘cap-and-trade’ charges on their farm fuel

February 14, 2023

Gov. Jay Inslee's cap-and-trade proposal was supposed to exempt farm fuel, and certain aviation and marine fuels, from increased charges that would result from his plan. The Dept. of Ecology (DOE) was tasked with devising rules to ensure this exemption took place. However, this didn't happen. As of Jan. 1, 2023, the Ag industry is incurring additional expenses for their farm fuel. Schmick's bill, House Bill 1780, would force the state to reimburse farmers for these expenses until DOE complies with the law and creates rules that protect farmers.