Arizona Legislative Session Adjourns
The Arizona Legislature worked over the weekend, passed the state budget and a few remaining bills, and has adjourned. They finished around 10 pm on Saturday night, for a total of 160 days in session.
End of session highlights include:
• BUDGET: The state budget provides for $16.1 Billion in spending in FY25. The UST Revolving Fund was swept of $20 Million into the general fund – along with MANY other fund sweeps and cuts to one-time spending projects and most government agencies having their budgets reduced by 3.5% from last fiscal year. We are advocating that the UST sweep be replenished at the next surplus and our grassroots system sent over 100 messages to lawmakers in a 48 hour window last week.
• DIESEL TAX STICKERS: HB2573 passed through the Senate this week 16-11 (party line vote) and then through the House 56-1 (bipartisan vote). It will, along with administrative reforms agreed to by ADOT, reduce the administrative burden associated with acquiring diesel tax stickers from the agency. It has been transmitted to the Governor and she has 10 days to act since the legislature has adjourned.
• GASOLINE FORMULATIONS: SB1064 did not receive a vote on the House floor and will not become law. This bill started as a requirement for additional gasoline blends to be added to the State Implementation Plan for air quality, but was amended to be a task force to study fuel supply and blends along with some other provisions.
A complete Legislative Wrap Up of the session will be coming in the next week or so.
State and Industry News
• Coalition of US Energy and Fuel Producers, Energy Marketers and Retailers and Consumer Groups Sue EPA Over Regulation Banning Most New Gas Cars (AFPM)
• Judge Likely to Reject Swipe Fee Settlement (NACS Daily)
• Arizona Lawmakers Pass Budget Closing $1.4 Billion Budget Deficit (AP)
• EIA Expands Coverage of Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production with Regional Forecast (EIA Today in Energy)
• EMA Journal – Summer 2024