How states are tackling midterm pump pain
Summary
Several U.S. states are trying different ways to lower high fuel prices before the midterm elections, mainly by pausing or cutting state gas taxes. Federal action to suspend the national gas tax has not happened, so states are using their own laws to help drivers deal with expensive gas.Key Facts
- The federal gas tax is 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents for diesel.
- Ohio recently paused its state gas tax for 90 days with support from both political parties.
- Georgia was the first state to suspend its fuel taxes, doing so for 60 days in March.
- At least six states, including Utah, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Georgia, have paused, lowered, or stopped tax increases on fuel.
- Indiana also lifted restrictions on the use of dyed diesel fuel for farmers and timber workers.
- The Trump administration was open to a federal gas tax holiday, but Congress has not approved it.
- Suspending gas taxes might provide some relief but could also hurt government funds for highways and add to the national deficit.
- Other states have allowed cheaper types of gasoline to be sold earlier to help reduce prices.
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