Maryland And Georgia Suspend State Gas Tax To Help Offset Rising Oil Prices

Due to rising gas prices, two American states suspended their state gas taxes to lower the cost of gas to consumers.

Last Friday, Republican Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed into law a suspension on their state gas taxes.

The Maryland legislation was the first gas tax suspension made into law in the country. It passed quickly and unanimously.

Other states have proposed a suspension on state gas taxes as well. New Hampshire and West Virginia have made proposals, including Democrat-controlled states California and Michigan.

Georgia’s law suspends the gas tax through May 31^st, and Maryland’s law suspends it for 30 days.

After signing the bill into law, Governor Hogan said, “This bipartisan action will provide some relief from the pain at the pump and it is possible because of the prudent fiscal steps we have taken, which have resulted in a record budget surplus.”

“This is, of course, not a cure-all, and market instability will continue to lead to fluctuations in prices, but we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to provide relief for Marylanders,” Hogan continued.

Governor Kemp released a video on Twitter after signing the bill into law. Kemp said, “Today, I signed HB 304, to temporarily halt collection of the state gas tax, and ease the burden consumers are feeling at the pump.”

“We can’t fix everything that Washington has broken, but we are doing our part to lessen the impact on your wallet,” Kemp continued.

With gas prices up by at least 59% in a year, & D.C.'s pandemic politics further driving inflation, Georgia's families need & deserve all the relief we can give them. Today, I signed HB 304, temporarily halting the state’s gas tax.

More -> https://t.co/1Djn9XVfTi pic.twitter.com/iwxit8tzC5

— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) March 18, 2022

In D.C., Congressional Democrats have proposed a suspension of the federal gas tax as well, including more stimulus payments. Congressional Republicans, on the other hand, continue to pressure the Biden administration to develop the Keystone Pipeline and increase domestic energy production.

Follow on Twitter: @ChrisSchlak