I plan to introduce legislation calling for the immediate temporary suspension of Pennsylvania’s diesel fuel tax to provide relief for businesses facing rising fuel costs due to ongoing global disruptions in oil markets. As energy markets react to global instability, the cost of diesel fuel has begun to climb again, placing additional pressure on industries that rely heavily on transportation and logistics. Global diesel markets are being disruption, reports state that China has directed major refiners to suspend diesel exports to protect its domestic supply, tightening the global fuel market and contributing to diesel price volatility.

Pennsylvania currently imposes the highest diesel taxes in the nation. The Commonwealth’s diesel tax is 74.1 cents per gallon, contributing significantly to the operating costs for trucking companies, manufacturers, farmers, and other businesses that rely on diesel-powered equipment and transportation.

My legislation would temporarily suspend the state diesel tax for 60 days to provide immediate cost relief for businesses across the Commonwealth. The bill will also authorize the utilization of bonds to cover the temporary reduction in Motor License Fund revenues, ensuring no funding is lost for our obligations to the Pennsylvania State Police or ongoing infrastructure projects.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation.