Fuel Overcharge Update Pt 1
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with today’s Fruit Grower Report. It has now been over three months since the Climate Commitment Act went into effect, establishing a cap on emissions and creating a carbon “tax” on fuel of around 40 cents per gallon.
As it’s written, ag producers are supposed to be exempt from this carbon tax, but the Department of Ecology failed to set up a system so farmers weren’t charged the additional fee.
16th District Representative, Mark Klicker says despite what many believe, farming is not a cash-on demand business …
KLICKER … “We have to remember that a majority of our farmers and ranchers in the state of Washington don’t set or establish the price. They are price takers. They take what price is given to them.”
And on top of that, the Walla Walla Rep says, this …
KLICKER … “Now, after these oil companies, after the Climate Commitment Act, are taking what is ever given to them regarding the price of fuel.”
While doing, Klicker says, something we all benefit from …
KLICKER … “As they are trying to produce the crops and the materials that we use every day. We consumer these materials and products and food and drink every single day.”
Klicker says, they deserve the exemption …
KLICKER … “They are supporting us. They are protecting us. They’re the ones that are trying to do everything they can to take care of us.”
Tune in tomorrow for more on an amendment to fix the carbon tax exemption for agriculture.
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Rep. Mark Klicker, R-Walla Walla, speaking on the House floor in favor of an amendment to the operating budget that would provide relief to farmers that are being unfairly charged a new fuel service fee as part of the cap and trade law.
Though four Democrats vote in favor of the amendment it failed in an otherwise party-line 53-44 vote against the change.
