Add to the list of ideas for ways to fund stormwater
programs: tack a fee onto the substances most directly responsible for
stormwater pollution.
A bill before the Washington State
Senate proposes to do just that, adding a $1.50 fee to each barrel of petroleum
that will be used in products that contribute to water pollution. Petroleum
destined for use in such things as gas and diesel fuel, vehicle lubricants, and
asphalt would be subject to the fee, and the price of gas at the pump would
increase by about 4 cents a gallon. Home heating oil, jet fuel, and agricultural
fuels would not be subject to the fee.
Most of the revenue—projected to
be about $110 million a year—would be given as grants to local stormwater
programs, which are now funded primarily through property taxes. Local
governments might have to contribute funds to match the grant money they
receive.
There was the familiar debate in
the state House over whether the fee was actually a tax—much like the debates
that occur in many places that are considering stormwater utility fees. The
House eventually decided that it is, in fact, a fee, and passed the bill. The
State Senate had not yet voted as of Sunday night, the last day of the 2009
legislative session.
What do you think of the proposal?
Has anything similar been considered in your jurisdiction?