The recent carbon allowance auction held by the state Department of Ecology under the state’s costly cap-and-trade program will mean even higher fuel prices for drivers in Washington just as the summer driving season is about to start, says 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler. “Drivers across Washington will pay even...

Two environmental laws from the Democratic-controlled Legislature and Gov. Jay Inslee that took effect Jan. 1 are already causing fuel prices in Washington to rise, says state Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville. Schoesler, who represents eastern Washington’s 9th Legislative District, said he was notified by the Washington  Independent Energy Distributors Association....

The statewide transportation package passed primarily by Puget Sound-area Democrats in March is now fully subsidizing public-transit and state-ferry travel in some parts of the state for anyone 18 or younger. An eastern Washington legislator, 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler, says the free-rider program discriminates against kids in rural Washington....

A trio of transportation bills passed tonight by the Senate, including  the chamber’s supplemental transportation budget and a new package of transportation projects, received “no” votes from 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler. He is particularly critical of the new package, saying it fails to benefit the entire state while relying...