New York State is suspending certain taxes on gas and diesel fuel for the remainder of 2022. The suspension takes effect today. Some counties are providing additional savings per gallon.
In January, New York State Assemblyman Colin Schmitt and the New York State Assembly Minority Conference introduced the Gas Sales Tax Elimination Act, which is responsible for suspending the state sales tax and providing an option to suspend the local gas sales tax immediately, saving at least 20 cents a gallon statewide.
The motor fuel excise tax, State sales tax, and the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District sales taxes are all suspended beginning today. This provides a reduction of at least $0.16 per gallon statewide.
In addition, 25 counties across the State have taken action to set temporary caps on the sales tax charged per gallon of gas and diesel. Orange County is not participating. However, nearby Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam and Rockland Counties are offering additional tax breaks.
“While I am proud to have championed this cause to suspend the state sales tax on gas, more must be done,” Schmitt declared. “As we appreciate the immediate reduction in cost, the state and federal government must do more to fight off increasing inflation. One-party control of our state and federal government has been a disaster for Hudson Valley families, requiring immediate course-correction and new leadership.”
Orange County Legislator Pete Tuohy observed, “New Yorkers are struggling across the board with prices at the pump and increasing costs everywhere.” Touhy also thanked Schmitt for his leadership in addressing the issue.
Heather Bell of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce stated, “I’ve seen first-hand the devastating impacts this inflation has caused businesses and our communities. I look forward to more solutions from the hard-working lawmakers in our region.”
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul added, “Fuel prices have surged in recent months, hurting working families and small businesses the most, and it is crucial that we provide New Yorkers relief.” She estimated the statewide savings to customers to reach $609 million by the end of the year.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “New Yorkers have been picking up the tab for economic hardships due to geopolitical conflicts and a global pandemic. That is why we suspended the fuel tax and, starting today, are giving workers and families a break that they deserve and allowing them to keep their hard-earned money in their pockets.”
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie added, “I am hopeful that this suspension of the gas tax by the state and certain counties will alleviate some economic pressure as families prepare for their summer vacations and businesses rebound from the economic impacts of the pandemic.”
Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan said, “We know the pressure everyone is feeling right now with record fuel prices and record inflation, and that’s why we’re proud to have cut the county gas tax by 50%.”
