About the Author
Consumers have a right to know, understand and verify the taxes they are paying at the pump. This has been a longstanding recommendation of the Washington Policy Center. Thanks to Representative Cary Condotta’s work in getting an amendment into last session’s transportation budget, this is now a reality.
New stickers are being distributed to gas pumps all across the state that reflect how much drivers are paying in state and federal gas taxes on gasoline and diesel.
These were seen at a pump in Pasco:
Data from AAA shows that Washington state’s gas prices are averaging $2.95 (as of December 12th). Current labeling at gas stations also reflects the total amount paid after taxes. However, the real price of a gallon of gas at the pump is $2.27. The remaining 67.8 cents belongs to state and federal government, a 30% tax rate at the current price.
As a result, the real price of gas, and the cost of taxes paid, are invisible to the public. These new stickers finally provide clear information to consumers on the cost of taxes paid.
This shift represents good policy and will encourage open and transparent dialogue about how transportation is funded in our state.