BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. - TelAve -- U.S. Army Veteran and cybersecurity professional Joe Earley, candidate for the West Virginia State Senate in the 12th District, today called on state leaders to immediately suspend West Virginia's gasoline tax until the ongoing war with Iran ends and energy markets stabilize.

Rising global tensions and disruptions to oil supplies in the Middle East have driven fuel prices higher across the United States, putting added strain on working families and small businesses.

Earley said West Virginia should act now to give drivers immediate relief at the pump.

"West Virginia families should not be forced to shoulder higher gas prices caused by global conflicts," said Earley. "While we cannot control events in the Middle East, we can control how much the government takes out of the pockets of our citizens. That's why I am calling for the immediate suspension of the state gas tax until the Iran war is over."

West Virginia currently collects approximately 35.7 cents per gallon in state gasoline taxes, one of the largest components of the price drivers pay at the pump.

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Earley said temporarily suspending the tax would provide direct and immediate relief for commuters, truck drivers, farmers, and small businesses that depend on fuel every day.

"Working families are already struggling with inflation and rising costs," Earley said. "A temporary gas tax suspension would put money back into the pockets of the people who actually keep our economy running."

Since the conflict escalated in late February, oil markets have been disrupted, and gas prices have surged as supply routes and global energy flows face uncertainty.

Earley said West Virginia should follow the example of leaders across the country who are considering temporary fuel tax relief while the crisis continues.

Earley emphasized that the measure would be temporary and tied directly to the duration of the conflict, allowing the tax to return once markets stabilize.

"As a veteran who served this nation for more than two decades, I understand the costs of war," Earley said. "But the burden of global conflict should not fall on the backs of West Virginia families every time they fill up their tank."

https://www.earley4wvsenate12.com/