Clean air and 'green' jobs are fine goals, Hewitt says, but we need to protect jobs we already have

January 29, 2009

OLYMPIA…In response to the governor’s announcement today of her cap-and-tax bill, Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, says that while clean air and “green” jobs are excellent goals, protecting jobs already in Washington and working to create new jobs now must be our first priority.   

“Washington’s economy is suffering,” Hewitt said. “More than 90,000 new unemployment claims were filed in December. It’s good that the governor wants to create green jobs. That said, I’m less interested in future jobs that may or may not materialize and may be temporary, and more interesting in protecting the jobs people have right now. It’s a lot easier to save the jobs we have than to create new ones.” 

Gregoire’s cap-and-tax proposal, captured in Senate Bill 5735 and House Bill 1819, calls for limits on carbon-dioxide emissions from fossil-fuel use, and beginning in 2012, would require Washington companies to purchase the right to use energy.  

“Even supporters say it will cost Washington jobs,” Hewitt said. “The cap-and-tax programs in Europe have caused companies to leave the region to stay price-competitive. And the effect on the climate is little to none. Why are we doing this now, when our economy is in shambles? Why not wait for the federal program that we know is coming and give our businesses a level playing field? Times are tough. We must not add this new burden to an already hurting economy.  

“This is already shaping up to be a very tough session for employers with job-killing proposals like the paid family-leave payroll tax, a bill to limit their free speech in the workplace – including a ban on Christmas music – and the possibility of the state banning their association health care plans. Throwing this expensive and regulatory measure on top of everything else would be the camel that broke the straw’s back. Washington’s cap-and-tax scheme is shaping up to be Idaho’s best friend.

“I am asking the Legislature to carefully consider this bill’s devastating impact on our citizens’ jobs and household budgets,” Hewitt said. “Rather than this economy-killing program, we should offer incentives for adopting energy efficient technologies, investigate all clean energy sources, and offer incentives for buying clean cars. There is a better way.”

For more information contact Senate Republican Caucus Communications Director Rebecca Japhet at (360) 786-7516 or japhet.rebecca@leg.wa.gov.