Sen. White's Statement on Recall of Gas Tax Hike Proposal

State Senator Don White, Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, issued the following statement in response to Governor Rendell's revocation of the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund Board's proposed 1 cent increase in the state gas tax.

"The Governor has taken the correct step by recalling the proposal to impose a 1-cent increase in Pennsylvania's gas tax to bolster the USTIF. At a time when consumers are being hit hardest at the gas pump by ever-increasing prices, the last thing the Administration needs to do is to increase this burden by imposing any increase in Pennsylvania's gas tax.

"The severity of the fiscal crisis facing the USTIF fund is not completely clear, but in any event the potential deficit is something that could occur many years in the future. Even a study commissioned by the USTIF board states " …no change in fees is necessary as the projection shows USTIF having positive Cash and Invested Assets through the middle of the July 1, 2015-2016 fiscal year."

"It never made sense to impose a 1-cent increase in Pennsylvania's gas tax to bolster the USTIF. I am glad the governor has reversed his Administration's stance and made the right decision."

Contact:

Joe Pittman
(717) 787-8724