HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh/Northampton) proposed suspending the state’s gas and diesel taxes to help lower prices at the pump for Pennsylvanians.
In a memo sent to state senators Monday, Boscola said her legislation would suspend the gas and diesel taxes for 60 days.
Pennsylvania’s gas tax is 57.6 cents per gallon — the fourth highest in the United States. The diesel tax is the highest in the country at 74.1 cents per gallon.
Gas prices have increased nationwide since the United States and Israel launched a joint military operation in Iran on Feb. 28.
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As of Wednesday, regular unleaded 87 gas costs $3.664 per gallon. A gallon of diesel will run drivers $5.095, according to AAA.
Boscola said her bill would authorize the use of bonds to cover the temporary reduction in Motor License Fund revenues, ensuring no funding is lost for state police or infrastructure projects.
In 2022, Boscola proposed similar legislation to suspend the gas tax for 67 days following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That bill was referred to the Senate Transportation Committee but did not advance further.