Gas tax will rise in Washington on July 1

Washington's gasoline tax will increase by 6 cents per gallon on July 1, raising the total to 55. 4 cents, the first adjustment since 2016. This change is part of a $3. 2 billion transportation package aimed at addressing a $1 billion shortfall attributed to inflation and a decrease in gasoline consumption due to more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles. Diesel taxes will also rise by 9 cents, contributing to Washington's position as having the third-highest state gas tax in the U.

S. The tax increase is projected to generate $1. 4 billion over the next six years, with diesel expected to bring in $166 million. Additionally, the transportation package includes various new taxes and fee increases, such as higher passenger vehicle weight fees and a new tax on luxury vehicles. Critics claim the Climate Commitment Act has exacerbated gas price increases.

Lawmakers assert the tax hike will keep ongoing transportation projects funded and on schedule. The last gas tax increase in Washington occurred in 2016 as part of the Connecting Washington transportation package.