Senate Bill 5801 will make Washington drivers pay even more at the pump, ushering in the state’s first gas tax hike in nearly a decade and adding to what are already the third-highest fuel prices in the nation. Anchored by a 6-cent increase to the gas tax beginning July 1, this sweeping transportation tax package also raises diesel taxes, vehicle weight fees, tire fees, and car rental taxes — stacking burden after burden onto working families, truckers, and rural commuters. Over the next six years, Washingtonians will pay an estimated $3.2 billion more just to keep driving, while many of those dollars fund transit projects and programs that provide little benefit to those footing the bill.
Despite repeated efforts by House Republicans to spare drivers from these increases — by proposing amendments to eliminate the gas tax hike, block new fees on diesel and tires, redirect Climate Commitment Act revenue already being collected, and more — the majority rejected every attempt.
House Republicans opposed SB 5801 because it:
Increases the financial burden on drivers, especially those in rural areas who rely on long commutes, compounding Washington’s affordability crisis at a time when working families are already stretched thin.
Raises fuel prices even higher in a state that already has the third-highest gas and diesel prices in the country.
Penalizes farmers, truckers, and small businesses that depend on diesel fuel to transport goods and keep shelves stocked.
Adds regressive fees that hit low-income families hardest, including hikes on tires, vehicle weight, and rental cars.
Fails to use existing revenue — such as billions from the Climate Commitment Act — to address infrastructure needs before demanding more from taxpayers.
