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What’s Fueling the Price at the Pump?

We are all feeling the impact of high gasoline prices at the pump. Understanding what determines those prices requires a closer look at the role of government policies and market conditions. I frequently hear from residents who are frustrated by the cost of filling up their vehicles, so I wanted to provide an explanation of the factors that influence gasoline prices.

Gasoline is a product which is produced from crude oil, that is transported to refineries where it undergoes a series of processes to create petroleum products, including gasoline. As you can imagine, the price of crude oil plays a significant role in determining what we ultimately pay at the pump. In fact, crude oil accounts for nearly 50 percent of the retail price of gasoline.

Crude oil prices are largely determined by supply and demand. When demand exceeds available supply, prices generally rise. Several factors can influence this balance, including global political conflicts, disruptions to major shipping routes, production restrictions and increased demand during periods of economic growth. Because oil is traded in a global market, events happening thousands of miles away can directly impact what we pay at the pump here in Pennsylvania.

Federal and state taxes typically account for approximately 12% to 17% of the final price. The federal gasoline tax is 18.4 cents per gallon, while Pennsylvania’s gasoline tax is approximately 74 cents per gallon, the third highest in the nation.

As your state senator, I support policies that reduce Pennsylvania’s gasoline tax and increase the supply of oil to help lower costs for consumers. During my time in the House of Representatives, I voted against Act 89 of 2013, which increased Pennsylvania’s gasoline tax. I also voted in favor of Senate Bill 35, which would have prevented the automatic gas tax increase that took effect in 2023. Unfortunately, despite passing the Senate, the legislation was never considered by the House of Representatives and was not enacted into law.

As you can see, gasoline prices are influenced by a combination of government policies and market factors. I will continue supporting policies that increase supply, reduce the tax burden on Pennsylvania residents and help make filling up at the pump more affordable.

Brown Stands with You at Data Center Rally

This week in Harrisburg, I was the only legislator to stand alongside more than 27 citizen and environmental groups and hundreds of residents from across Pennsylvania at the Capitol for a rally calling for stronger protections surrounding data center development.

I continue to be one of the most vocal advocates for a statewide moratorium on data center development in our commonwealth. I am a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1359, which would establish a three-year statewide moratorium on hyperscale data center development. I am also the only legislator in Harrisburg to have initiated a vote on this moratorium language.

Thank you to the advocates and residents who came to Harrisburg to make their voices heard. I will continue working to ensure residents and communities come first.

Brown Honored by Lackawanna County & The Commission for Women

It was an honor to speak at the Lackawanna County Commission for Women’s Legislative Breakfast and be recognized alongside The Wright Center for Community Health.

Thank you to the Commission and Lackawanna County Commissioners Thom Welby and Chris Chermak for this recognition, and for bringing together community leaders for a morning of conversation and bipartisan fellowship.

It was also a meaningful opportunity to remember longtime board members Sister Maryla Farfour and Maureen Pesavento and reflect on their contributions to the community.

Thank you to everyone who made this event possible!

Senate Approves Aimee’s Law to Help Protect Animals

I spoke on the Senate floor in support of Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee’s Law, which was approved by the Senate. As co-chair of the Senate Animal Protection Caucus, I believe we have a responsibility to take animal cruelty seriously and ensure our laws provide the tools needed to protect animals.

The bill, which I co-sponsored, would establish a statewide, publicly accessible registry of individuals convicted of serious animal abuse offenses, helping prevent them from obtaining more animals.

Aimee’s Law is named after a six-month-old husky found abandoned in a crate beneath a bridge in Erie during subzero temperatures. Despite efforts to save her, Aimee did not survive. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder of why accountability for animal cruelty matters.

I have heard about terrible cases of animal abuse throughout our district. I’m also grateful for organizations like Animal Welfare Society of Monroe and Camp Papillon, which work every day to protect animals, provide care and help them find safe, loving homes.

The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. I will continue supporting efforts to protect animals and prevent cruelty and neglect.

Sign Up for Brown’s Veterans Appreciation Luncheon

I will once again be hosting my Veterans Appreciation & Informational Luncheon on November 15^th at Trout Lake. Join your fellow brothers and sisters in arms as we honor and support all veterans and families of the 40^th Senate District.

Veterans, their spouses or a guest are invited to attend this appreciation event.

RSVP is required!

Turn the Fountain Pink: Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness

This week in Harrisburg, I joined my colleagues in turning the Capitol fountain pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Please remind the women in your life to do their annual screenings. I hope you all take this meaningful reminder of the importance of breast cancer awareness, early detection and supporting those who are fighting this disease, as well as the survivors and families who have been impacted.

To learn more, please visit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.