Beshear extends reduced gas tax in 33 Kentucky communities through June
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Gov. Andy Beshear has extended an executive order reducing Kentucky’s gas tax by 10 cents per gallon in 33 cities and counties where local officials requested an extension.
The order, which was set to expire June 10, will remain in effect through June 30 in participating communities. Areas where local leaders did not request an extension will see gas and diesel prices increase by 10 cents per gallon beginning June 11.
“Gas prices are too high due to the continued war in Iran, and Americans — including right here in Kentucky — are struggling,” Beshear said in a statement. “Every dollar counts, and my executive order lowered gas and diesel prices across the state to help our families save.”
Under Kentucky law, county judge-executives and city mayors were required to request an extension for the order to continue beyond 30 days.
Communities receiving the extension include the cities of Alexandria, Ashland, Campton, Carrsville, Clay City, Covington, Drakesboro, Earlington, Eminence, Falmouth, Gamaliel, Glencoe, Island, Jenkins, London, McHenry, Oak Grove, Owensboro, Owingsville, Paintsville, Park City, Sebree, Smithfield, Smiths Grove, West Point, Whitesville and Winchester, as well as Louisville Metro Government and the counties of Carter, Graves, Magoffin, Morgan and Wolfe.
The Governor’s office said communities that did not submit requests will see fuel prices rise beginning Thursday.
Beshear first announced the emergency order in May as gas prices increased. The measure reduced the state gas tax by 10 cents per gallon and was estimated to save Kentucky drivers nearly $27 million over one month.
In addition to the executive order, Beshear froze the state gas tax at 26.4 cents per gallon ahead of a scheduled increase July 1 and activated Kentucky’s price-gouging statute to help ensure fuel providers passed savings on to consumers.
The Governor also urged Congress and Kentucky’s congressional delegation to suspend the federal gas tax through the end of the year.
