Majority Whip Julie Willoughby has announced a proposal to suspend the state gas tax on Cleaner Burning Gasoline in Maricopa and Pinal counties from May through September. Willoughby cited federal requirements that mandate the use of this specific fuel blend during summer months, which she says leads to higher prices at the pump for residents in these counties compared to other parts of Arizona.
“Because of federal requirements, families in Maricopa and Pinal counties are forced to pay more at the pump than the rest of Arizona,” said Majority Whip Willoughby. “During the summer, these counties can only sell Cleaner Burning Gasoline—a boutique fuel blend refined in limited quantities, primarily in California. That limited supply drives up costs, and Arizona drivers pay the price.”
The Cleaner Burning Gasoline is described as being more expensive both to produce and transport than standard gasoline, making it the most costly option available in Arizona during summer.
“In 2023, Phoenix drivers paid higher gas prices than Los Angeles,” Willoughby continued. “As California refineries shut down, supply constraints will increase—pushing prices higher at a time when families are struggling with rising costs. Arizona now ranks as the sixth most expensive state in the nation for gas.”
Willoughby emphasized her party’s focus on affordability: “Republicans are focused on affordability. Our Majority Plan is about upholding the American Dream and making sure the cost of living doesn’t keep climbing out of reach for working families.”
Efforts by Republican lawmakers to work with federal officials on allowing lower-cost fuel blends have so far been unsuccessful due to air-quality regulations from Washington. The proposed bill includes measures to compensate local governments for any reduction in Highway User Revenue Fund income resulting from the tax suspension, aiming to ensure that rural communities can continue road maintenance during this period.
“We’ll continue pursuing long-term solutions, but Arizona families need relief now,” Willoughby added. “That’s why I’m proposing HB 2400 to suspend the state gas tax on Cleaner Burning Gasoline from May through September, and advancing House Concurrent Memorial 2008 urging Congress to do the same with the federal gas tax.”
Carbone was elected as a Republican representative for Arizona’s 25th House District in 2023.
