RALEIGH – Governor Josh Stein today signed House Bill 3 into law, officially suspending the state gas tax across North Carolina. This legislative action directly aims to lower financial burdens for families throughout the state, providing immediate relief from current economic pressures. The Governor emphasized that the goal of this measure is to ease the strain of escalating expenses faced by many residents.
In a statement following the signing, Governor Stein acknowledged the challenges posed by the current economic climate. He noted that the increasing prices of groceries, utilities, and gas have made living costs too high for people across the state, directly impacting household budgets. The Governor affirmed that his decision to sign House Bill 3 was driven by a desire to help "keep more money in people's wallets," offering a tangible benefit to consumers at the pump.
However, Governor Stein also characterized the gas tax suspension as a temporary measure, part of a larger ongoing effort. He used the occasion to issue a broader call to action for the General Assembly, urging them to concentrate on long-term solutions for the cost of living throughout the entire year. This emphasis highlights his commitment to sustained affordability rather than short-term interventions, particularly stressing the need for year-round solutions that extend beyond "election season." The Governor reiterated his steadfast commitment to collaborating with any legislative partners who share the goal of making everyday living more affordable for all North Carolinians.
This recent legislative step is not the sole action taken by Governor Stein to address increasing fuel expenses and reduce overall costs for the state’s families. Just last week, the Governor initiated a directive to the North Carolina Department of Revenue. This directive instructs the department to provide significant penalty relief concerning the highway use of red-dyed diesel fuel. This specific relief measure is slated to remain in effect through the close of 2026, offering extended support.
Furthermore, in a related effort to support the agricultural community, Governor Stein successfully secured federal penalty relief for farmers. This relief specifically targets those farmers utilizing red-dyed diesel fuel for their operations. These combined actions were expressly designed to alleviate financial pressures on farmers, who are critical to the state’s economy and food supply. The Governor's office consistently emphasizes his broader commitment to implementing strategies that effectively lower the overall cost of living for residents across North Carolina, building on a foundation of proactive measures and legislative collaboration.
