Arizona:Senate, House Panels Have Proposed Immediate Relief To Gas Prices : AZ IMC

Senate, House Panels Have Proposed Immediate Relief To Gas Prices

By Senator Thayer Verschoor and Rep. Andy Biggs

The governor has recently indicated her desire for new laws against price gouging. The attorney general is also conducting an investigation of oil companies. Two previous attorneys general made similar investigations and found no illegal profiteering.

The Senate and House Transportation Committees are investigating and developing possible solutions to provide Arizonans with some immediate relief. One of those solutions is to temporarily suspend Arizona’s gas tax of 18 cents per gallon. This would amount to a total savings of more than $2 million per day for Arizonans.

The governor has touted a budget surplus. In order to keep road and highway construction on track, the savings to consumers resulting from a brief moratorium on the 18-cent per gallon gas tax would be replaced in its entirety from a portion of this budget surplus. An average citizen would save about $20 per month with this plan.

The governor believes that the immediate relief to Arizona consumers resulting from a suspension of the gas tax would be minor for some consumers. As one who is chauffeured around in a car filled with gas which is paid for by Arizona’s taxpayers, perhaps the governor’s immunity from the gas crunch leads to her feeling that the $20 per month savings is not significant enough. But, this possible solution will benefit all Arizonans and provide significant relief to small and large businesses who depend on gasoline. These businesses are the ones who provide Arizona with the jobs that feed our families and spur our economy.

Governor’s Plan Will Result In Long Lines

The governor wants to create a backdoor cap on gasoline prices which will create greater shortages while demands for gas remain constant; the governor’s proposed solutions will result in long lines at gas stations and will throw a speedstick in the way of Arizona’s dynamic economic growth. In essence, it really boils down to whether you want to control when and where you buy gas or whether you want big brother telling you when, where and how much to fill up through things like rationing.

Before we rush toward more regulation and bigger government, we should look at creating an environment that makes it easier for gasoline to reach Arizona consumers. This industry is one of the most heavily regulated and while we look toward the suspension of the gasoline tax as a temporary solution, we will also be looking at how we can provide relief by removing bureaucratic red tape and the associated cost that comes with it.

Now is the time to look at solutions that can provide immediate relief to Arizona consumers and businesses. Rather than looking for ways to bring more government into the problem by deciding how much profit is appropriate, we need options that will allow businesses to continue to thrive and meet the needs of Arizona’s families.

Once prices have stabilized, we can then refocus on more long term solutions, as for example calling upon our federal leaders to allow for an increase of domestic oil production so that America will be free of our dependency on foreign suppliers of fuel. A comprehensive energy plan, including alternative energy solutions, is an appropriate remedy to our energy deficiencies — not the knee-jerk, big-government proposal of this governor.

The Senate and House of Representatives Transportation Committees continue to hold joint meetings regarding Arizona’s gasoline prices. Those affected by the rapid increase in gas prices, including consumers, the trucking industry, airlines, manufacturers, small business and the petroleum producers will be participating to discuss the impacts of various types of relief. Real solutions, explored the right way. —

Senator Thayer Verschoor R-22, is chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and can be reached at tverscho@azleg.state.az.us.

Representative Andy Biggs, R-22 is chairman of the House Transportation Committee and can be reached at abiggs@azleg.state.az.us.