Keisha Lance Bottoms Requested Georgia Fuel Tax Cut
Former Atlanta mayor called for the reinstatement of a state fuel excise tax suspension to lower costs.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Keisha Lance Bottoms has called on Governor Brian Kemp to suspend the state fuel excise tax. The request comes as residents face higher costs following the expiration of a previous tax relief measure.
Why it matters
The appeal aims to reduce the financial burden of rising diesel prices for Georgia commuters and logistics providers. Previous tax suspensions were used as a tool to mitigate sudden spikes in fuel costs across the state.
The expiration of the fuel tax suspension resulted in a $0.33 per gallon increase for gas and a $0.37 per gallon increase for diesel. The initial suspension enacted by the state lasted for a 60-day period.
The players
Keisha Lance Bottoms
She is a former Mayor of Atlanta who has urged the current administration to intervene on fuel costs.
Brian Kemp
He is the Governor of Georgia who holds the authority to suspend the state fuel excise tax.
The details
Governor Brian Kemp previously signed an executive order to suspend the fuel excise tax in March 2026, which was subsequently extended through May. Since that expiration, fuel prices have remained elevated, prompting the recent call for a new suspension.
Timeline
March 2026: Governor Kemp signed an initial 60-day fuel tax suspension.
May 2026: The fuel tax suspension expired after an extension period.
September 21, 2026: Keisha Lance Bottoms repeated her call for a new tax suspension.
Roadmap
The push for fuel tax relief highlights the ongoing struggle to balance state infrastructure funding with the immediate economic pressures facing drivers. This debate underscores how state-level tax policies remain a primary lever for responding to volatile energy prices.
If the tax suspension is reinstated, Georgians would see a direct decrease in the price of gas and diesel at the pump. This would provide immediate relief for daily commuting costs and potentially lower the expense of transporting goods across the state.
The takeaway
Advocates for tax suspensions argue that such measures are vital for short-term relief during periods of high inflation. Drivers should monitor state government announcements for any potential executive actions that could alter pump prices.
Further reading
Learn more about local fuel trends in Georgia Electric Vehicles.
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Do you support pausing fuel taxes to lower gas and diesel prices in your area?
