(Fairbanks) - Representative Jay Ramras (R-Fairbanks) was informed that the Governor is not authorized to eliminate or reduce fuel taxes through an Executive Order according to both the Department of Law and the Legislative Legal office.

"When the framers of our state constitution were developing the language for executive authority, they were very concerned about what powers to grant the Governor. One area of particular concern was the ability to tax. They did not want one person to be able to raise taxes. While I fully support that, it also prevents him from lowering taxes," Representative Ramras said.

The issue came to light following Representative Ramras' "Energy Ease" proposal, a three-part program aimed at assisting Alaskans with ever-increasing fuel costs.

"While the Governor can't reduce vehicle fuel taxes until we in the Legislature authorize that action through statute, with the Governor's significant cooperation the two other aspects of the proposal are still moving forward. I'm happy to say that the Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Division is working very hard to map out locations in areas burned by wildfires as a source of firewood," said Representative Ramras. He went on to say, "Their extra efforts should make it easier for individuals and small businesses to receive expedited permits and to have access to land for woodcutting before the cold sets in. Likewise, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) will be working with area fuel oil companies and banks to hopefully ease some credit requirements of individual customers."

That program will be the topic of discussion on Friday afternoon, beginning at one o'clock, September 16th in the Fairbanks Legislative Information Office, 119 N. Cushman Street. "We are bringing together members of the banking and fuel oil delivery companies, distributors, and AIDEA to discuss those options," Representative Ramras said.

"I still believe we have a responsibility to the people of Alaska to move as quickly as possible to reduce the cost of fossil energy in the state and provide alternatives. Reducing or eliminating the taxes on gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel is an important step in the process. I look forward to working with Representative Bob Lynn so we can address it in either the upcoming special session, if one is called, or early in January when we reconvene for regular session," said Representative Ramras.

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