Here’s how Utah lawmakers will try to lower gas prices

SALT LAKE CITY — Utahns are paying more at the pump than other states. The national average for a gallon of gasoline is $3.05, according to AAA, while it’s $3.37 in Utah. But top Republican lawmakers want to change that. Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, said his caucus is working on a plan they believe will bring prices down by 20 cents a gallon. “People really are feeling the pain when they're going to the gas pump,” Schultz said.During the upcoming legislative session, Schultz said, lawmakers will consider a plan that focuses on refineries, which manufacture gasoline and currently have a tax exemption. “Right now, 30-40% of the gas that is produced in the state of Utah is shipped off to other states,” Schultz said, “and they don't have to pay taxes on it.” Under the House GOP plan, refineries would lose that tax exemption, making any fuel leaving the state subject to taxes. At the same time, Schultz said, lawmakers would reduce the gas tax that drivers pay at the pump. Rep. Cal Roberts, R-Draper, is working on the specifics of the proposal, which he acknowledged is in the early stages. “The idea is that we want to drive down the cost of gas at the pump for people while also maintaining the revenue to support our roads,” Roberts said.The Utah Petroleum Association responded Thursday to Schultz’s promise of legislation on this issue. “All Utahns want lower prices in every aspect of our lives, whether that's at the gas pump, the grocery store, or in housing prices,” the association said in a statement. “We look forward to working collaboratively with Speaker Schultz on a solution that works for us all when he has a proposal for us to review.” Asked if he’s heard feedback from oil and gas companies on his plan, Schultz said “they don’t like it.” “They like making record-high profits on the back of the citizens,” the House speaker added, “but it's not right.” At Maverik in Salt Lake City on Thursday evening, Bryan Morielli said gas prices in Utah feel higher than they should be. “Feels like moving from California is not as great as it sounds anymore,” he said, laughing. “Especially with these gas prices, you might as well just go back.”

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