HOUSES PASSES BILL TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY AT THE PUMP

DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to save Coloradans money on gasoline by lowering vehicle registration costs and the anticipated statewide road usage fee. HB22-1351 invests one-time dollars to provide Coloradans relief now and keep transportation projects on pace.

The bill passed 38-25, with all House Republicans voting against lowering vehicle registration fees.

“In the last few months, gas prices have been driven up by national and global influences, so at a state level, we have a responsibility to adapt and do whatever we can to save Coloradans money at the pump,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “A lot has changed with global events, supply chain challenges and the war In Ukraine driving up the cost of gas. This bill will help Coloradans keep some money in their pockets when they register their cars and fill up their tanks all while keeping our state on track to fix our roads and create jobs.”

“Coloradans are feeling the impacts of pandemic-induced inflation and supply chain challenges that are driving up the cost of gas, so we are providing immediate relief by lowering the cost of registering your vehicle and saving you money when you fill up at the pump,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “This bill will provide relief to Coloradans when they need it most while keeping critical infrastructure projects on schedule.”

HB22-1351, sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Barbara McLachlan will save Coloradans money by lowering vehicle registration costs and the anticipated road usage fees, a two-cent per gallon gasoline fee slated to go into effect in July. This bill invests one-time recovery funds to save Coloradans nearly $80 million on transportation costs. Specifically, this bill will save Coloradans $45 million at the gas pump and nearly $34 million in vehicle registration costs.

This bill considers the effects that global factors, including pandemic recovery and the war in Ukraine, have had on the rising cost of gasoline. An amendment adopted by the committee extends the break on road usage fees by an additional three months, allowing the next General Assembly to look at economic conditions at that point in time to determine if a further suspension is necessary.