Gov. Andy Beshear has taken steps to reduce the price of gasoline and activated the state’s price gouging laws.
The governor signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency to reduce the gas tax by 10 cents, which he urged the attorney general to sign, and proactively signed an executive order to freeze the motor vehicle assessment rate on January 1, 2027, according to the governor’s office.
“The American people are paying the costs of the war, and families are struggling at the gas pump, grocery and more – including right here in Kentucky,” Beshear said. “I recognize the pain our families are feeling and I’m taking steps to help because it’s the right thing to do.”
The governor signed an emergency regulation to freeze the gas tax at 26.4 cents per gallon ahead of an expected increase to 27 cents per gallon on July 1.
“The action to freeze the current rate is projected to save Kentuckians about $1.7 million, combined, each month,” Beshear’s office said.
Beshear also signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency related to gas prices. The order will reduce the gas tax by 10 cents, which should result in a 10 cent per gallon price decrease for Kentuckians. He further requested the order take effect as soon as possible for both regular and diesel, with the potential to save Kentuckians $26.8 million combined over a one-month period.
“This would be huge for our families, but it requires one step for it to become a reality and that’s sign-off from Kentucky’s Attorney General, based on a Supreme Court case from years ago,” Beshear said. “My hope is that the AG also believes gas prices are too high and will sign quickly so we can deliver results for Kentuckians.”
To enforce the reduction and ensure providers don’t keep the 10 cents, Beshear also activated the state’s price-gouging statute.
In addition to these steps, Beshear 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.
“These leaders,” according to Beshear, “have a real chance to help our people when they desperately need relief, and I pray they can put politics aside and take a long, overdue step to help American families.”
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
