Motor Vehicle Fuel Prices

Taxpayers are upset with motor vehicle fuel prices exceeding $4 a gallon and are asking for relief. Many indicate it is a result of supply and demand. Some are dismissing arguments that policy choices impact the price or current situation. This brief supports the argument that numerous policies have added substantial requirements and costs on the petroleum industry. Laws adopted in our state encourage the use of foreign sources of crude rather than using Alaskan or midwestern materials. What we can point to is (1) that Washington and national refineries have drastically cut back production during this century, and (2) there is a list of state laws that regulate and tax the industry.