Senate Republicans demand special session to address gas prices

Citing the extreme financial pain being felt at the pump, State Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, is leading a formal legislative push for the governor to convene a special session of the Legislature to address Washington’s unaffordable fuel prices.

“We cannot afford to wait until the next regular legislative session while our families choose between putting food on the table or putting gas in their tanks,” warned Warnick, who serves as the chair of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus. “The time for leadership is now. Our state’s own policies have artificially inflated prices, leaving Washingtonians paying some of the highest fuel costs in the nation. We are demanding a special session to deliver immediate economic relief.”

In a letter sent to the governor today, which follows up on earlier efforts by Warnick and her colleagues to encourage action from Gov. Bob Ferguson, Senate Republicans call for legislative intervention to undo the harm caused by state policies like the carbon pricing program and escalating baseline taxes. While national gas prices trend downward, Washington drivers continue to face a steep premium due to compounding state regulations.

Warnick noted that the executive branch has missed opportunities to deliver this relief much sooner, but acting now is critical to prevent further damage.

“The governor may be frustrated by hearing repeatedly from Republicans about the need for relief at the pump, but that is nothing compared to the frustrations felt by Washingtonians who see others across the country paying nearly $1.25 less per gallon,” explained Warnick.

She also argues that this financial burden falls disproportionately on rural communities and the agricultural sector. Unlike urban areas, rural residents lack access to public transit options and have no choice but to pay exorbitant prices for essential daily travel.

“These are the people I know best,” said Warnick. “They are feeling real pain and deserve much better from their government.”