OLYYMPIA, Wash. – Governor Jay Inslee has told tribes he does not think their gas stations should be exempt from the new climate law that’s driven up gas prices in the state.

Leaders from Lummi Nation and other Washington tribes met with the governor on Wednesday, May 31st, to ask for a break from increases being passed on by fuel suppliers.

The Seattle Times reports that Inslee told them that an exemption would give tribal gas stations a competitive edge and undermine the new law.

Washington’s Climate Commitment Act began imposing fees on fuel suppliers and other carbon polluters this year in an effort to reduce emissions over time.

Suppliers have been passing those actual or anticipated costs on to customers, which the tribes say amounts to a state tax that violates their sovereignty.

Inslee says tribes helped craft the new law and he is disappointed that some are now reversing course.

Some of the tribal leaders say they may turn next to the legislature to ask for some relief.