Jeff Kelly: Protecting Washington's Environment Without Hurting Working Families
Accountability with Spending Climate Commitment Act Funds
Caring about where our gas tax dollars go.
Jeff Kelly outlines a balanced path for WA: We must be careful with Climate Commitment Act spending when considering the financial burden on families.
As a fourth-generation Snohomish County resident, Army veteran, and registered nurse, I've spent my life serving people. I've seen firsthand how rising costs affect working families, seniors and those already struggling to make ends meet.
I believe human activity contributes to climate change, and we have a responsibility to protect the environment. But protecting the environment and growing our economy shouldn’t be competing priorities.
This means government policy encouraging investment in emerging technologies like small modular nuclear reactors, expanding reliable clean-energy production, streamlining permitting (without sacrificing environmental protections) and preserving access to natural gas while affordable alternatives are developed.
The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) was intended to reduce emissions and invest in Washington's environmental future. Those are worthwhile goals, however, the program's taxes mean higher fuel prices for drivers and resulting increased transportation costs — impacting the prices of everyday goods and services.
The objective of the CCA is to discourage the use of internal combustion engine vehicles by increasing fuel prices. I get it, but at this moment, I can't buy an electric car.
Washingtonians still need to get to work, school, appointments, shopping and other places. Washingtonians pay more for gas and diesel so the whole planet can enjoy a cleaner atmosphere. We're sacrificing — it's right to demand accountability for how CCA revenues are spent.
Washington state agencies spent $1.02 billion in tax revenue collected through the CCA during Fiscal Year 2025.
Affordability, Opportunity, Safety & Security.
It's our money flowing into our gas tanks. Olympia needs to respect that when choosing how to spend public dollars.
Affordable energy strengthens our economy. Reliable infrastructure creates opportunity. Responsible environmental stewardship protects our communities for future generations.
Whether you live in Everett, Marysville, or Tulalip, you deserve a representative who considers how every policy affects your household budget, your job, and your family's future.
Let's judge the government not by how much it spends or how ambitious its promises sound, but by the results it delivers for the people it serves.
Jeff Kelly is a candidate for Washington State House of Representatives in the 38th District. (Everett, Marysville & Tulalip.)