Inslee blames GOP for failure of climate change bills in Legislature



SEATTLE (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee has gained national attention for rolling out some of the most ambitious climate initiatives in the country.

But Inslee has failed to pass bold proposals, including the centerpiece cap-and-trade plan to charge emissions from oil refineries, power plants and fuel suppliers.

The Democratic governor also conceded to Republican demands and approved a transportation revenue package that included what he called a "poison pill" preventing a state agency from taking action on a low carbon fuel standard for eight years.

Inslee blamed the Senate Republican majority for the failures, saying the party "is now in the stranglehold of the oil and gas industry."

Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, says remarks disparaging Senate Republicans are misplaced and notes the Democrat-controlled House didn't pass the governor's cap-and-trade plan either.