So the State of Washington recently held an auction of carbon outputs to businesses in the State. And all the lemmings shouted, “Hooray! We are saving the planet”.

Anyone with critical thinking skills and a heartbeat know this scheme is just a huge tax on the poor and middle class.

The Democrats in Olympia passed a law in regards to carbon output by business. The state set an arbitrary number of units of carbon which they would allow businesses to produce. The state auctioned off these units of carbon emissions to businesses and businesses would be restricted to these arbitrary numbers. Anyone that knows economics know if you restrict the supply of a commodity, the price will skyrocket, especially if there is a high demand. The Democrats are happy because these auctions are bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars into the State budget.

This law is aimed at companies that provide us a service and need-energy. Gas, oil, natural gas and other energy. There is a reason we are an oil based economy and society, it is reliable and affordable. However, the Democrats hate oil. So when Democrats hate something, they will tax it into oblivion and we will pay the price. The poor and middle class will pay these increased taxes. If they don’t, their car to get to work will sit in the driveway and their house will be much colder in the winter. The rich will just absorb the higher costs.

So, that means that higher gas prices will occur and higher energy costs to heat your home in the winter. We already see that in Enumclaw as our natural gas prices have skyrocketed as a result of this law. Gov. Inslee had the nerve to come out and accuse energy companies of being greedy. Nothing to do with greed of energy companies, but greed, need for power and disdain of oil by Democrats.

The Democrats call this scheme “cap and invest”. Nothing to do with investing since Democrats are the only ones making money on this scheme. I call this scheme “cap and tax”.

If you are a person that believes in this scheme, you are part of the problem. If you vote for politicians that believe in this scheme, you are part of the problem. This scheme will hurt the poor and middle class while doing nothing for the environment.

Democrats hate oil and gas but have a love affair with wind and solar power. If the Democrats and environmental extremist get their way by destroying the oil and gas industry, good luck with your wind and solar. Maybe the rolling blackouts will only be a couple times a week instead of daily.

I believe in an all encompassing energy policy. Keep oil flowing and increase wind a solar. This will create competition to ensure our power grids will keep going and are able keep up with energy demand.

The environmental movement has gone too far and is a threat to economic freedom.

Jon Buss

Enumclaw