Washington rejects carbon tax, but backers are undeterred
[...] voters in this progressive state roundly rejected the measure that drew opposition from the fossil fuel industry and, more surprisingly, many major environmental groups.
The measure failed by a vote of 59 to 41 percent, but backers said their efforts spurred urgent conversations about climate change in an election year where the issue got little national attention.
A state group representing businesses said voters rejected a flawed proposal that would have driven up energy prices for families, workers and employers.
Money from the tax, which would be paid by power plants and fuel importers, would have been used to reduce the state sales tax, virtually eliminate business taxes for manufacturers and return a rebate to many working families.
Washington state has been on the forefront of climate policy as Inslee pushed measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming.