Tag Archives: agriculture

Sen. Mark Schoesler

Schoesler says Washington drought emergency declaration “long overdue”

State Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, says he is relieved that Gov. Jay Inslee’s administration today finally announced a drought emergency declaration for eastern Washington as well as most of the west side of the state, but Schoesler pointed out the governor should have declared a drought emergency for eastern Washington several weeks ago.

“While the governor’s drought declaration is welcome and expected news, it is long overdue for our part of the state,” said Schoesler, a wheat farmer whose 9th Legislative District includes several counties that have faced drought conditions for months. “Farmers throughout eastern Washington have known since early this spring that we are facing a serious drought problem in our region, and the very hot and dry summer so far has just made it worse. It’s nice that the governor is finally recognizing how serious this problem really is for both sides of our state. But it’s disappointing and frustrating that it’s taken him this long to recognize and act on a problem that we’ve seen and endured in our region for months.”

According to a news release today by the state Department of Ecology, which issued the drought emergency declaration, a drought emergency means water supply is projected to be below 75 percent of average. A formal drought declaration authorizes DOE to take certain measures for the purpose of providing emergency drought relief:

  • Expedite processing for emergency drought permits.
  • Process temporary transfers of water rights.
  • Provide funding assistance for public entities.
  • Hold public education workshops.

“Several weeks ago, wheat officials wrote to the governor, asking him to declare a drought emergency for eastern Washington, but DOE responded by saying the state wouldn’t make a drought declaration. During the news conference today announcing the drought emergency declaration, the governor was asked why he previously rejected farmers’ requests for such a declaration. He said he needed to wait for scientific information on it to ‘mature.’ His response is ridiculous, because over in our part of the state, we’ve seen the effects of the drought for months. While I’m glad Jay Inslee is finally taking action on this drought, he should have acted much sooner.”

Inslee said the Everett, Seattle and Tacoma metro areas are excluded from the drought emergency declaration. The DOE news release said the three central Puget Sound cities “are expected to have sufficient water storage to meet residential and commercial needs through the summer, and to maintain adequate water levels in nearby rivers to protect fish.”

Senate approves ‘high-cost fuel standard’ bill

The Senate tonight narrowly passed a bill that would create a “high-cost fuel standard” in Washington.

 House Bill 1091, approved 27-20, returns to the House of Representatives for concurrence, or agreement, with a Senate amendment to the proposal.

“This bill is the latest attempt by Governor Inslee to cram what he calls a ‘low-carbon’ fuel standard down Washingtonians’ throats,” said Schoesler, R-Ritzville. “There certainly is no guarantee this bill would improve the climate, but we can be guaranteed that fuel costs will skyrocket once this bill becomes law. Worse yet, it will act like a very expensive gas tax, but without any benefit to our roads.”

Schoesler said the Puget Sound Area Clean Air agency estimates costs of a similar localized LCFS program in 2019 would increase 57 cents per gallon for gasoline and rise 63 cents a gallon for diesel.

“Between the sharp increase in fuel prices caused by this bill and the ‘cap and tax’ bill that the Senate passed earlier tonight, it’s going to be a total shock for drivers when they fill up at the pump once these bills are implemented,” said Schoesler. “If you need to drive long distances for work or other reasons, this one-two punch courtesy of the Democrats is going to hit your wallet hard. This bill punishes people who can least afford it, and it will hurt agriculture in our state by imposing extra costs on farmers. This bill will put our economy at risk. People should think of Governor Inslee when they pay more at the pump because he’s the one who wanted it all along.”

The proposal would direct the Department of Ecology to adopt rules aimed at achieving a 20% reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions from fuel by 2035.

Under HB 1091, refiners would be required to blend gas and diesel with advanced biofuels to reduce the carbon content of fuel. Only a 2-4%reduction in emissions can be accomplished this way, and this is only a small part of the program. Most of the program (80-90 percent) is about creating a “credit market” managed by Ecology, requiring refiners to pay for government-approved carbon-reduction programs. Costs likely would be passed on to consumers. At least half the money would go to programs to promote electric cars.

Schoesler blasts Senate passage of ‘carbon cap and tax’ bill

A Democrat-sponsored “carbon cap and tax” bill passed 25-24 tonight by the Senate would punish Washington citizens and small businesses while letting big corporations off the hook, argues 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler.

Senate Bill 5126 now goes to the House of Representatives for further consideration. The 2021 legislative session is scheduled to end April 25.

“This is another bill that would punish people and companies by sharply raising gas and diesel prices, without a guarantee that our roads and highways will benefit, and no proof of even helping the climate,” said Schoesler, R-Ritzville. “The bill is called the Climate Commitment Act, but the only thing it will commit Washingtonians to is handing over more of their hard-earned money for an environmental plan that won’t work.”

Schoesler said many residents in his legislative district would not qualify for any of the exemptions from the proposed tax.

“This cap-and-tax bill offers several types of exemptions for foreign-based oil corporations like BP and Royal Dutch Shell, but it would punish rural communities, middle-class families and individuals, and small businesses. This is a very unfair, inconsiderate and inconsistent bill to people in my district and other rural districts in our state,” said Schoesler. “It amounts to a very regressive tax that will disproportionately affect those least able to afford it. If the Democrats really cared about equity, they would not pass this bill.”

Schoesler, a wheat farmer, said the “cap and tax” bill also would have a negative impact on Washington agriculture and would hurt the state’s economic competitiveness.

“Agriculture in our state needs to use a large amount of fuel to produce crops and move those crops to market or to ports to be exported around the world,” said Schoesler. “Farmers and growers are price takers, not price setters, which means they’ll be hurt by higher fuel prices. This bill will be very bad for ag, no question about it. The bill also will make our state less attractive for many large companies to relocate or stay in our state, which means fewer jobs will be created here and jobs will instead move to more business-friendly states elsewhere.”

Under this bill, starting in 2023, businesses producing more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon per year would be required to purchase “allowances” for emissions at auctions arranged by the Department of Ecology. End-user consumption would be included in emissions calculations, meaning refiners would be held responsible for tailpipe emissions. Money from these auctions would go to the state, and would be split between CO2 reduction programs and a transportation-related account called “Forward Flexible.” The price of allowances would grow over time until the state meets arbitrary emissions targets – 45 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and “net zero” emissions by 2050. The program’s details would be handled by the Department of Ecology. The program is expected to raise about $500 million annually.

“If this bill becomes law, it will raise another $500 million in taxes on hard-working people and businesses just to have a ‘permit to emit,’” said Schoesler. “We have so many people around our state who are trying to get back on their feet after suffering through the COVID pandemic, but this terrible bill would just take more money out of their wallets, all for some far-fetched goal that likely will never be realized.”

Schoesler said a Washington Research Council study of SB 5126 shows it could force gasoline prices to rise by 18 cents a gallon by 2023 and by 30 cents by 2030, with diesel prices increasing 34 cents per gallon by 2030.

“Gas stations in Spokane, Pullman, Clarkston and other border towns will be really hurt by this proposal because drivers will be more likely to fill up in Idaho or Oregon. And the tax revenue raised by this bill would not be subject to the state’s 18th Amendment, which requires gas-tax money to be spent for transportation purposes, so the money raised by this proposal could be spent for any purpose. There’s no assurance of any benefit to our roads and highways.”

Schoesler said the bill also would cause higher energy prices for consumers and businesses alike.

“If this bill becomes law, people likely will see an increase in energy prices if they use natural gas or propane, even electricity,” added Schoesler. “There are many households throughout our state that rely on natural gas or propane for heat or cooking. Many of these families are struggling financially and can’t afford an increase in their energy costs, yet the Senate Democrats voted to jack up these costs anyway. It’s shameful.”

Schoesler, a member of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, pointed out that when the panel held a public hearing on the bill last month, one opponent testified that a 2019 analysis found carbon emissions from oil and gas have actually increased since a cap-and-trade policy began in California.

“It’s scary that our state is trying to emulate something that is being done in California but isn’t working as intended. We should know better,” said Schoesler.

Before the Senate’s approval of Senate Bill 5126, Republicans offered nearly 40 floor amendments designed to improve the bill. Most were rejected by majority Democrats.

Schoesler encourages people to access COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide

State Sen. Mark Schoesler wants residents of the 9th Legislative District and other rural parts of Washington to know the U.S. Department of Agriculture has created a guide with links to various federal agencies and programs that rural areas may need during the COVID-19 situation.

People may access the COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide by going to https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/USDA_COVID-19_Fed_Rural_Resource_Guide.pdf.

“This online guide by the USDA includes links for businesses, consumers, families, agriculture, nonprofits and tribes about technical assistance, financial assistance and general state and local government resources,” said Schoesler, R-Ritzville. “The guide covers a wide range of resources that can help so many of us here in our district and other rural areas of our state. These are tough times for so many of us, so I encourage people to take a look at the guide and see how it can help them.”

Columbia Basin Development League presents Schoesler with award

State Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, has received an award from the Columbia Basin Development League for his longtime legislative efforts on behalf of communities and irrigators in the basin area.

The organization presented Schoesler with its Perseverance Award Tuesday during its 55th annual meeting, held in Moses Lake.

“The league chose Senator Schoesler to receive the Perseverance Award for demonstrating the ability to fight for his constituents and the region, no matter the odds,” said Vicky Scharlau, the CBDL’s executive director. “We appreciate the longstanding commitment Senator Schoesler has provided to his district, especially irrigators and communities desperate for a reliable source of water.”

“I’m very honored to receive this award,” said Schoesler. “For the Columbia Basin to not only survive but thrive, it needs enough water for both communities and an agriculture industry that provides many jobs. That’s why I’ve devoted so much time and energy to finding ways to help this area meet its water needs. With the help of many individuals and organizations like the CBDL, we’ve accomplished quite a bit, but there is more to do.”

Schoesler is the sixth recipient of the award, which was created by the CBDL in 2011. He joins other recent recipients, including former 4th District U.S. Rep. “Doc” Hastings and state Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison, who formerly served as director of the state Department of Ecology’s Office of Columbia River.

The Columbia Basin Development League is a nonprofit organization that has supported the Bureau of Reclamation’s Columbia Basin Project and its future development since 1964.

Schoesler represents the 9th Legislative District, which covers all or part of Adams, Asotin, Franklin, Garfield, Spokane and Whitman counties.

Schoesler encourages public to attend an agriculture fair

As summer enters its final month, fair season is fast approaching in many communities on both sides of the Cascades. Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, encourages the public to support Washington’s agricultural community by attending one or more fairs in the coming weeks.

Schoesler, a fifth-generation wheat farmer whose land has been farmed by his family since the 1880s, says fairs play an important role in many rural communities and help educate attendees about agriculture’s importance in eastern Washington and throughout the state.

“Fairs are very educational and really provide a showcase for all that is great about farming and our rural communities,” Schoesler said. “They are a great annual tradition for all ages, and they are a perfect place to take the family.

“When you go to a fair, you see firsthand what farmers raise, from crops to livestock and other animals. Fairs provide a great place to see old friends and meet new ones, and to sample many different kinds of tasty food that you only find at a fair. Fair season is upon us, so I encourage people to attend their local fair or one nearby,” Schoesler added.

According to the Washington State Fairs Association, several area fairs are set to start in the coming weeks:

Schoesler represents the 9th Legislative District, which covers all or part of Adams, Asotin, Franklin, Garfield, Spokane and Whitman counties.   

Schoesler: Democrat tax increase will hurt rural Washington, key state industry

Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler blasted the Senate’s approval tonight of a bill that would raise fuel costs through a higher tax on one of the state’s leading industries and be particularly hard on rural Washington.

Substitute Senate Bill 5993 was passed virtually along party lines, 27-22. It now goes to the House for consideration.

During his floor speech opposing the bill, Schoesler, R-Ritzville, said he was voting against a war on rural Washington, higher taxes and oil refineries, an industry that provides family-wage jobs to many workers.

“This increase in the hazardous-substance tax is just the first of several massive tax increases planned by the Senate majority, even though the proponents say it’s ‘only’ $133 million in new taxes. Only $133 million,” said Schoesler. “It’s a continuation of the war on rural Washington. These refineries are primarily located in rural areas, with salaries that nothing else in those areas will match. The people who use heating oil don’t live in hip urban neighborhoods. They tend to live in small towns that you and many others have never heard of. They drive their cars long distances. They will be punished. Agriculture will be punished. This is part of a war on rural Washington that needs to stop.”    

Schoesler said the bill would pull $475 million out of the state economy over the next two years, with little of this additional money going to toxic cleanups.

“It will hurt high-wage, blue-collar jobs in the oil industry, which in turn will have a ripple effect on local economies,” said Schoesler. “This proposal will result in higher fuel prices, which will especially hurt commuters and those who have to drive long distances. It will be like another gas tax on drivers without any benefit to roads. And it basically will allow the hazardous-substance tax to be indexed for inflation by growing upward. It’s just another way to squeeze more tax money out of Washingtonians under the guise of trying to clean up toxic substances.”       

Of the $475 million in tax revenue on petroleum products that would be generated under SSB 5993 for the 2019-21 biennium, only $106 million – or 25 percent – would go to the state capital budget for toxic cleanup. Meanwhile, $255 million would go to the state operating budget.  Of the revenue collected from the tax on petroleum products, only 15 percent would be devoted to stormwater-cleanup programs.   

“In a session full of terrible bills passed by the Democratic majority in the Senate, this one is among the worst,” said Schoesler. “This bill offers a false promise. It is less about actually helping with toxic cleanups and more about pumping more money into the state’s operating and transportation budgets.  It’s a step backward for actually cleaning up toxic sites in Washington.”

Republicans introduced several amendments to soften the proposal’s negative impacts, but majority Democrats defeated all of them. One amendment, offered by 42nd District Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, would have removed the annual inflationary growth factor from the tax rate.

Another amendment, sponsored by 13th District Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, sought to preserve an exemption for crop protection products, many of which are stored in Franklin County. Schoesler was especially disappointed by its defeat. “By rejecting that amendment, the majority eliminated a very useful and friendly exemption that served Franklin County and producers with safe crop production products across the state.”  

The state model toxics control program is administered by the state Department of Ecology to ensure that most sites where hazardous substances were released are cleaned up. MCTA is funded by the hazardous-substance tax. About 95 percent of the revenue comes from the HST on petroleum products.