Beshear extends gas tax relief for some Kentucky cities and counties, including Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear extended his executive order Tuesday reducing the state's gas tax by 10 cents for cities and counties where local officials requested an extension.

Locally, Louisville Metro/Jefferson County, Eminence, Smithfield and West Point asked for and were granted extensions, according to a news release from Beshear's office.

"Louisville families and businesses are already feeling the strain of rising costs," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said during a news conference Tuesday. "The ongoing (Interstate) 65 shutdown has only added to that financial burden by increasing transportation expenses and commute times."

In total, Beshear granted extended relief for 33 cities and counties that requested it. All other cities and counties will see gas and diesel prices rise by 10 cents starting this Thursday, June 11.

The governor said in order to extend the May 5 executive order past the 30-day mark of Wednesday, June 10, Kentucky law required county judge/executives and city mayors to request an extension.

Beshear claims local officials may have felt pressure from state legislators who did not want them to ask for an extension.

"Gas prices are too high due to the continued war in Iran, and Americans — including right here in Kentucky — are struggling. Every dollar counts," Beshear said in a news release.

Areas that were granted extended relief include: Alexandria, Ashland, Campton, Carrsville, Clay City, Covington, Drakesboro, Earlington, Eminence, Falmouth, Gamaliel, Glencoe, Island, Jenkins, London, McHenry, Oak Grove, Owensboro, Owingsville, Paintsville, Park City, Sebree, Smithfield, Smiths Grove, West Point, Whitesville and Winchester; Louisville Jefferson County Metro Government; and Carter, Graves, Magoffin, Morgan and Wolfe counties.

The governor froze the gas tax and declared a state of emergency May 5. That froze the gas tax at about 26 cents per gallon. Without the freeze, it would have risen to 27 cents in July. The freeze was projected to save Kentuckians about $1.7 million combined per month.

Beshear's executive order declaring a state of emergency over gas prices reduced the gas tax by 10 cents, which was expected to save Kentuckians about $26.8 million combined.