Radio Report: Majority Democrats reject House Republican move to hold immediate hearing on carbon tax initiative

January 17, 2024

House Democrats have once again rejected the House Republicans’ call for a public hearing on another initiative – this time asking for the repeal of the state’s Climate Commitment Act. Nic Scott reports.

SCOTT: Initiative 2117 would repeal the state’s Climate Commitment Act, or carbon tax, which has increased the cost of living by driving up gas and energy prices. The measure was the second initiative to be certified to the Legislature this week. House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary again asked that lawmakers immediately schedule a hearing before the House Environment and Energy Committee.

STOKESBARY: “We do this routinely to move business forward and accomplish the will of this body – and in this case, the constitution says that this body needs to have these initiatives take precedence.”

SCOTT: Representative Mary Dye of Pomeroy, ranking Republican on the House Environment and Energy Committee, said the citizens who signed the initiative have a right to be heard.

DYE: “This policy stands to cripple their jobs, their homes, their families – everything about their life is become more difficult and more expensive as the result of this policy – so they deserve to have their voices heard in our committee.”

SCOTT: State lawmakers have until March 7th to act on the initiative. Nic Scott, the state Capital.