Whitmer Urges Biden To Suspend Federal Gas Tax As Prices Remain High

MICHIGAN — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urged President Joe Biden on Tuesday to work with Congress in an effort to temporarily pause the federal gas tax.

"As Americans bear the brunt of inflation and face rising prices on everything from groceries, childcare, rent, and other critical expenses, the federal government has the ability to reduce the price of fuel and put more money in their pockets," Whitmer said in a letter to the president. "Getting this done will offer real, immediate relief without compromising the federal government’s ability to make infrastructure investments."

Biden said Monday he was considering a gas tax holiday, which would temporarily suspend 18.4 cents per gallon. But that action would require congressional action.

When gas prices began surging in March after Russia invaded Ukraine and the U.S. and other world allies sanctioned the Russians, the White House began releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

However, that move has done little to match demand, as gas prices still hover around $5 per gallon nationwide. Whitmer praised Biden's decision to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, but said, "we must do more to help families."

The average price of a gallon of regular gas in Michigan was $5.14, which is among the highest in the nation and 18 cents higher than the national average. Gas prices in the metro Detroit area remain the highest in the state, averaging $5.24 for a regular gallon of gas.