Provenzano Amendment to Temporarily Lower Gas Prices Fails

OKLAHOMA CITY — Legislation aimed at lowering gas prices for Oklahomans failed to pass the House on Wednesday. 

The House Bill 1008XXX amendment, authored by Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, would suspend the state gas tax until at least 2023. Suspending the tax would immediately save Oklahomans 19 cents per gallon. 

“This amendment provides direct and immediate relief at the gas pump in the form of a temporary moratorium on the state gas tax, lasting through December of 2023,” Provenzano said. “Hopefully, by then, gas prices will go down with increased production and market stability.”

Gas prices are nearly double where they were this time last year. At the time the legislation was heard, the average price of gas in Oklahoma was $4.61 per gallon.

“The legislature should enact policies that benefit middle-class, working Oklahomans,” Provenzano said. “With the pandemic, global inflation, and the energy crisis, Oklahomans need relief. As lawmakers, we should do everything in our power to provide that relief.”

To provide input on the amendment, contact Rep. Melissa Provenzano at (405) 557-7330 or email [email protected].