Fuel Tax Frustration Pt 2

From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. Why are ag producers and transporters being charged a Climate Commitment Act fuel tax they’re supposed to be exempt from? That’s the question no one in Olympia seems to know the answer to.

When I asked Washington Policy Center’s Ag Research Director, Pam Lewison when she thought this problem might be fixed, she just sighed …

LEWISON … “You know, I am a farmer. I like to be optimistic as a general rule. So, I’m hopeful that there will be some sort of motivation to fix this problem. But, at the same time, I’m also a realist.”

Unfortunately, Lewison says, if nothing happens …

LEWISON … “I think that it’s more likely what we’ll see is, you know, some sort of punitive action where, you know, the ag community will come together and say, you know, either you help us with this or we’ll see you in court.”

Lewison says, it’s not ideal, but …

LEWISON … “In my mind, we’re not a group of people that are particularly interested in litigation a lot, but this is certainly an instance where it would be justifiable.”

Lewison says in diesel purchases alone, the state is taking about $33 million exemption dollars, illegally.