The supporters proposing to repeal the Climate Commitment Act, Initiative 2117, claim that the costs of allowances paid by greenhouse gas emitters is a cost that is passed on to consumers, a “hidden tax.” It is actually a just cost of doing business. Any profitable business passes all costs, materials, labor, taxes, fees, and so on, to the consumer plus adds on the profit margin.
So yes, some prices have been affected. However, will higher prices on gasoline encourage more efficient use or alternatives? Very likely. Will reduced gasoline prices promote more efficient use or alternatives? Highly unlikely.
The most glaring problem with Initiative 2117 is that its supporters merely want to dismantle a tool helping to move us toward fixing an obvious climate problem, but with no better tool offered. I’d be encouraged to support an initiative that was more than the swing of a wrecking ball.
