Letter to Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States - Amid Invasion in Ukraine, Kelly Calls on Biden to Release Oil From Strategic Reserves, Support Suspending Federal Gas Tax

Letter

Dear Mr. President:

I am writing to encourage you to take further actions to provide the American people
with much-needed relief from escalating gas prices. As Russia continues its unprovoked attack
on Ukraine, the average price of crude oil could remain above $100 per barrel and push the price
of regular unleaded even higher than it is now.

Hardworking families cannot continue to bear the economic hardship of high gas prices
while paying for more expensive groceries and medicine. Even before the crisis in Ukraine,
Arizona families struggled with costs at the pump. Throughout much of last year, gasoline
prices in our state were above the national average. Getting rid of the federal gas tax for the rest
of the year, coordinated releases of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and maintaining
robust domestic energy production are concrete steps that should be taken to drive down gas
prices and provide relief to families.

One of the most immediate steps that your Administration can take is to suspend the
federal tax on gasoline by signing into law the Gas Prices Relief Act. My proposal would
eliminate the 18 cents per gallon gas tax for the remainder of the year without interrupting the
historic investment made in our roads and bridges under the Bipartisan Infrastructure
Law. There is precedent for implementing gas tax relief during times of global unrest

I understand that you are considering ordering additional releases of crude oil from the
federal government's Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), which is intended to mitigate against
supply disruptions. In December, the Administration increased SPR releases to 50 million
barrels. Another release, especially if done in coordination with our allies and other nations,
could help blunt rising oil prices and the corresponding prices that Americans pay at the pump.

The crisis in Ukraine also underscores the importance of U.S. oil and natural gas
production, transportation, and export capacity. The United States is the world's top producer of
natural gas, which may prove to be one of our strongest economic assets for countering Russian
aggression and lowering fuel prices as Western democracies transition beyond fossil fuels to
renewable energy.

As Americans, our resolve to protect freedom and uphold the rule of law guarantees that
the United States will remain committed to the Ukrainian people and our NATO allies. President
Putin is counting on surging energy prices to pressure the United States and the international
community. I encourage you to remain committed to addressing rising gas prices by supporting
the Gas Prices Relief Act, authorizing additional Strategic Petroleum Reserve releases when
appropriate, and maintaining robust domestic energy production.

Sincerely,

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