His plan to curb prices includes authorization to freeze the state’s gas tax when it is set to rise this summer. He also signed an executive order declaring a State of Emergency that will reduce the gas tax by ten center per gallon.
"And it should reduce gas prices by ten cents per gallon for Kentuckians. I'm asking it to take effect as soon as possible," Beshear said. "It would be a week from today, May 11th for both regular and diesel."
The executive order needs the approval of Attorney General Russell Coleman. Similar measures have been successful in other states across party lines and he’s asking members of Congress to step in on the federal level.
"This morning, I sent two letters urging leadership in Congress, and leaders in Kentucky's Congressional delegation to suspend the federal gas tax until the end of the year. It would reduce the price of gas by 18.4 cents if Congress would act. These leaders have a chance to help our people when they desperately need relief," said Beshear.
Beshear is also activating the state’s price gouging laws. Gas prices have spiked more than 20% in the past month.
