Georgia Republican Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency over inflation on Tuesday and suspended the gas tax in Georgia, saying federal spending and energy policies were to blame for high fuel prices.
Kemp, who previously suspended the gas tax in the Peach State from March to December 2022, issued the emergency executive order as gas prices jumped more than 10% higher in August from July. This was the highest month-to-month jump in over a year, according to the Wall Street Journal.
“From runaway federal spending to policies that hamstring domestic energy production, all Bidenomics has done is take more money out of the pockets of the middle class,” Kemp said. “While high prices continue to hit family budgets, hardworking Georgians deserve real relief and that’s why I signed an executive order today to deliver it directly to them at the pump. Working with partners in the General Assembly, we’ll continue to help Georgians weather the economic headwinds caused by this president, his administration, and their allies in Congress.”
A gallon of regular gas in Georgia, on average, costs about $3.56, up from the $3.23 a gallon cost one year ago. A gallon of diesel, on average, costs about $4.36, down from last year’s costs of $4.68, according to AAA.
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Gas prices have in part risen from production cuts from Saudi Arabia and the continuing war in Ukraine, but some critics have said that the Biden administration’s energy policies, which have focused on scrapping drilling and pushing green alternatives, have contributed to higher costs as well.
According to Kemp’s office, the tax suspension will save drivers 31.2 cents per gallon on regular gasoline and 35 cents per gallon on diesel fuel.
“I applaud Governor Kemp’s suspension of motor fuel taxes to keep our people and our economy moving despite Washington’s inaction on rising fuel prices,” said Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns (R). “Georgia’s success story is no accident – it is the result of conservative policies enacted to keep Georgia the nation’s best state for business.”
Kemp’s executive order, effective from Wednesday until October 12, said, “rampant inflation is negatively impacting Georgia’s economy and the social and economic wellbeing of its residents.”
Statistics from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revealed on Wednesday after Kemp’s announcement indicate the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose 0.6% in August, rising 3.7% over the last 12 months.