Washington should protect our environment without making life more expensive for the people who call it home. Achieving both requires practical policies, responsible spending, and a willingness to correct legislation when costs outweigh intended benefits.
Former State Senator Reuven Carlyle, one of the architects of Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA), has acknowledged shortcomings in addressing permitting and infrastructure development. He has also advocated for greater investment in small modular nuclear technology.
His observations highlight a key problem: ambitious environmental goals accomplish little if we cannot build the infrastructure needed to achieve them efficiently and affordably.
As a fourth-generation Snohomish County resident, Army veteran, and registered nurse, I’ve spent much of my life serving others. I’ve experienced the financial pressures working families face. When government policies raise the cost of fuel, electricity, transportation, and everyday necessities, households with the least financial flexibility suffer the most.
Human activity contributes to climate change, and protecting our natural resources is a shared responsibility; environmental policy must account for its economic consequences.
I support the goals of the Climate Commitment Act, but the law needs meaningful adjustments to reduce its financial impact on Washington residents. Repealing it is not the answer. Improving it is.
The CCA’s carbon allowance system places a charge on emissions, encouraging businesses to reduce their environmental impact. However, some compliance costs can be passed along to consumers. Lawmakers must examine how allowance prices affect fuel and transportation costs, whether existing price-control mechanisms provide sufficient protection, and how program revenues can deliver greater benefits to households.
I support stronger cost-containment measures, greater transparency in how CCA funds are allocated, and regularly scheduled evaluations to measure changes in emissions. These detailed CCA audits allow for cost/benefit analysis and evaluation of the overall impact on emissions.
Every dollar collected should serve a clearly defined purpose. Programs that produce limited results deserve scrutiny, regardless of how well-intentioned they may be.
Washington also needs a more realistic approach to energy development.
We should explore advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, expand reliable low-emission energy sources, and accelerate permitting for essential infrastructure while maintaining reasonable environmental safeguards. Natural gas should remain an available option where necessary as cleaner, reliable, and affordable alternatives become more accessible.
Rather than forcing rapid changes before the infrastructure is ready, lawmakers should encourage innovation, set realistic timelines, and let technology drive the transition.
Fiscal responsibility is equally important.
Washington must make difficult spending decisions before placing additional demands on taxpayers. Washington must evaluate existing programs, identify inefficiencies, and prioritize education, public safety, transportation infrastructure, and essential services.
As a candidate for Washington’s 38th Legislative District, my priorities are Affordability, Opportunity, and Safety & Security. Those principles guide my approach to climate policy as much as they do my approach to the state budget.
Before supporting new environmental legislation, I believe lawmakers should answer three questions:
- What measurable environmental improvement will this policy achieve?
- How will it affect the cost of living and doing business in Washington?
- How will we determine whether the results justify the expense?
Residents of Everett, Marysville, and Tulalip deserve policies grounded in evidence, economic reality, and accountability.
Protecting the environment and maintaining a strong economy are compatible goals. Achieving them requires thoughtful legislation, investment in emerging technologies, and the flexibility to correct policies that create unnecessary financial hardship.
People are part of the environment, too. Protecting it must include protecting their ability to afford life here.
That’s how we start Making Washington Better Together.
By Jeff Kelly | Candidate for Washington State House, District 38, Position 1, JeffKellyfor38@gmail.com
Paid for by Friends of Jeff Kelly, 8825 34th Ave NE, Suite L 228. Tulalip, WA 98271
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