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Franchot Wants State of Energy Emergency for Halt of Gas Tax

May 24th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

As gas prices continue to climb, Maryland's governor and comptroller are recommending each other take action to minimize the impact of a scheduled summer gas tax increase. In a letter to Comptroller Peter Franchot on Monday, Gov. Larry Hogan called for the state’s CFO to “halt or minimalize” the impact of a forthcoming increase in the state’s gas tax, saying the price bump is “unconscionable” amid record prices and steep inflation. Franchot, in a written response, said his staff and attorneys have been exploring if he has the legal authority to prevent the increase, which is automatically triggered by state law. Franchot said that while his legal team reviews options, he wants Hogan to declare a state of energy emergency and suspend the gas tax until September…