Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has joined Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and eight other senators in introducing the Pay Less at the Pump Act. The proposed legislation aims to repeal the Superfund Petroleum Excise Tax, which is levied on American oil refining and petroleum products. Supporters of the bill argue that this tax increases gas prices for consumers and negatively affects energy production in states like Louisiana.
Kennedy stated, “Americans remember when President Biden’s stupid Green New Deal policies sent gas prices through the roof, and we owe it to them to get rid of any harmful taxes and fees that could lead to that happening again. The Pay Less at the Pump Act would scrap an unnecessary tax on American energy and help lower the cost of living for families.”
Barrasso added, “Together with the Trump administration, Republicans are working to restore American energy dominance and reverse the Biden administration’s climate policies that drove up energy prices. The Pay Less at the Pump Act builds on this success by repealing another out-of-touch energy tax that hurts Americans every time they go to fill up their gas tanks. This will lower prices at the pump for American families and make it easier for Wyoming’s energy producers to unleash energy production here at home.”
The bill is cosponsored by Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah). Representative Mike Carey (R-Ohio) introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives.
Carey said, “Cheaper energy translates into cheaper goods for Americans at every level of the supply chain, allowing families to keep more of their hard-earned cash. The Pay Less at the Pump Act will lower costs and build on the more affordable future Republicans are creating with the Working Families Tax Cuts.”
Industry groups such as American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers and the American Petroleum Institute have expressed support for the legislation.
Aaron Ringel, Vice President of Government Relations at American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, commented, “Eliminating this tax once and for all will save American consumers billions of dollars and remove an arbitrary penalty on both U.S. energy production and fuel manufacturing. With affordability top of mind for Americans this legislation provides a common sense solution. We appreciate Senator Barrasso’s continued steadfast leadership on these critical issues and his laser focus on supporting affordable, competitive American energy and manufacturing.”
Kristin Whitman, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at American Petroleum Institute, said, “Raising taxes on American energy undermines the industry’s ability to invest and deliver the affordable, reliable energy the world increasingly demands. We support Senator Barrasso and Rep. Mike Carey’s effort to repeal this misguided policy and refocus Congress on measures that strengthen U.S. energy investment, competitiveness and security.”
Senator Kennedy represents Louisiana in the United States Senate where he leads initiatives related to veterans, farmers, small businesses, national security, appropriations, budget matters, banking policy, housing issues, urban affairs as well as natural resources. He operates offices across Louisiana—including Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans and Shreveport—to assist constituents with federal matters while maintaining engagement through public events such as town halls and newsletters according to his official website.
The full text of the bill is available online.
