Arizona House Majority Whip Julie Willoughby has introduced a bill aimed at suspending the state’s 18-cent gasoline tax in Maricopa and Pinal counties during the summer months. House Bill 2400 seeks to address the higher costs associated with Cleaner Burning Gasoline, a fuel blend mandated by federal requirements for these counties from May through September.
“Because of federal requirements, families in Maricopa and Pinal counties are forced to pay more at the pump than the rest of Arizona,” said Willoughby. She explained that this boutique fuel blend is refined mainly in California, leading to limited supply and increased costs. “In 2023, Phoenix drivers paid higher gas prices than Los Angeles,” she added, noting that Arizona ranks as the sixth most expensive state for gas.
Willoughby emphasized that Republicans are focused on affordability, stating, “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.” Despite efforts to explore lower-cost fuel blends with federal officials, air-quality rules have blocked affordable alternatives.
The bill includes measures to compensate local governments for revenue loss from the Highway User Revenue Fund, ensuring road maintenance continues during the tax exemption period. Willoughby said, “We’ll continue pursuing long-term solutions, but Arizona families need relief now.” She also introduced House Concurrent Memorial 2008 urging Congress to suspend the federal gas tax.
Julie Willoughby was elected in 2022 to represent Arizona’s 13th House District. She serves Legislative District 13 in Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes and is active on social media under @JWilloughbyAZ.
