Arizonans could soon pay significantly less at the gas pump, thanks to a proposal from Sen. Mark Kelly.
Kelly, an Arizona Democrat who is up for re-election this fall, introduced a bill on Wednesday to suspend the federal gas tax for the remainder of the year to help Arizonans struggling with higher gas prices.
The Gas Prices Relief Act would temporarily eliminate the 18-cents-per-gallon tax on fuel through Jan. 1, 2023, thereby lowering costs for consumers.
“Arizonans are paying some of the highest prices for gas we have seen in years and it’s putting a strain on families who need to fill up the tank to get to work and school,“ Kelly said in a statement. “This bill will lower gas prices by suspending the federal gas tax through the end of the year to help Arizona families struggling with high costs for everything from gas to groceries.”
RELATED: Phoenix Residents Got Hammered by Higher Prices While Companies Made Record Profits
The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Arizona is currently $3.66 per gallon, according to AAA. That makes Arizona one of the most expensive places in the country to fuel up. Kelly’s proposal would relieve at least some of that strain at a time when inflation has hit Arizonans particularly hard.
The bill would also require the US Treasury to ensure gas and oil companies pass those savings along to the consumers instead of exploiting the suspension and raising their prices. The department’s secretary would also be encouraged to take enforcement actions to ensure companies comply.
Looking for the latest Arizona news? Sign up for our FREE daily newsletter.
Politics
Democrats successfully force vote on repealing 1864 abortion ban, passes House
The Arizona legislature moved forward two bills Wednesday that would repeal the state’s 1864 abortion ban. A bill to repeal the ban has been...
State Official: 1864 abortion ban gives Arizona ‘black eye’
Arizona’s role at the forefront of the climate crisis, defending democratic elections, and protecting reproductive rights has caught the attention...
Local News
Arizona Sens. Anthony Kern, Jake Hoffman, indicted for fake election scheme
Eighteen individuals involved in a conspiracy to overturn Arizona’s election results in 2020 were indicted by a grand jury Wednesday and charged...
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to let Arizona doctors provide abortions in California
California law generally allows abortion up to the point of fetal viability, which is around 24 weeks. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Arizona doctors...