Senators Green, Hall Lead on Legislation to Lower Prices at the Pump

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry, and Sen. Grant Green, R-Wellston, played an integral role in the Oklahoma Senate advancing legislation today to lower gasoline prices.

As prices at the pump spike, Hall and Green worked diligently to find a timely solution to ensure that Oklahomans see tax relief when filling up their gas tanks. 

After President Donald Trump called on Congress to suspend the federal gas tax, Green and Hall worked with the Oklahoma Tax Commission to explore the state impact of that proposed change. In doing so, they discovered an obscure provision in state law that automatically raises Oklahoma’s state fuel tax by the same amount as any federal tax reduction.

Green presented House Bill 1370 on the Senate floor to repeal this provision in law. This legislation ensures that all Oklahomans will see the benefits if Congress suspends federal gas taxes of 18.4 cents per gallon of gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel fuel.

“High gas prices are hitting Oklahoma families and small businesses hard,” Green said. “Taxpayers are tired of their state government driving up the cost of everyday necessities through outdated Democratic-era tax policies that are still on the books today. By passing House Bill 1370, the Senate stands behind President Trump to make sure state law doesn’t get in the way of Oklahomans saving money at the pump.”

Chairman Hall said the financial impact of rising gas prices is one of the biggest concerns he’s hearing from constituents across his district.

“Oklahomans are feeling pain at the pump every time they gas up,” Hall said. “This legislation ensures Oklahomans will actually benefit from a federal gas tax suspension. I’m proud the Senate worked quickly and decisively to provide this tax relief for all Oklahomans.”

The Senate passed HB 1370 in a vote of 41 to 7. The measure now advances to the House for final passage.