New Bill Aims to Lower Gas Prices by Eliminating Superfund Tax

The Pay Less at the Pump Act would repeal the $12 billion tax on oil production, but critics say it could impact environmental cleanup efforts.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Representative Mike Carey (R-Ohio-15) have introduced the Pay Less at the Pump Act, which would eliminate the Superfund Tax on domestic oil production and imported petroleum products. Supporters argue the tax contributes to higher gas prices, while opponents say it provides crucial funding for environmental cleanup programs.

Why it matters

The debate over the Superfund Tax highlights the ongoing tensions between energy affordability for consumers and environmental protection responsibilities. Repealing the tax could lower gas prices, but it would also remove a revenue stream for hazardous waste site cleanup efforts.

The details

The Superfund Tax, which had long expired, was reinstated in the Democrats' 2022 spending package and raised from 9.7 cents per barrel to 16.4 cents, indexed to inflation. Critics argue the tax contributes to higher prices at the pump, while supporters say it funds important environmental cleanup work.

  • The Pay Less at the Pump Act was introduced this week by Senator Barrasso and Representative Carey.
  • The Superfund Tax was reinstated in 2022 as part of a Democratic spending package.

The players

John Barrasso

U.S. Senator from Wyoming who introduced the Pay Less at the Pump Act.

Mike Carey

U.S. Representative from Ohio's 15th district who introduced the Pay Less at the Pump Act.

Pete Obermueller

President of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, who called the Superfund Tax "misguided" and said repealing it could ease costs for local producers.

Aaron Ringel

Representative from the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, who said eliminating the tax could save consumers billions.

American Petroleum Institute

Industry group that echoed sentiments that higher taxes could discourage energy investment.

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What they’re saying

“Together with the Trump administration, Republicans are working to restore American energy dominance and reverse the Biden administration's climate policies that drove up energy prices.”

— John Barrasso, U.S. Senator (999thepoint.com)

“Cheaper energy translates into cheaper goods for Americans at every level of the supply chain, allowing families to keep more of their hard-earned cash.”

— Mike Carey, U.S. Representative (999thepoint.com)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The legislation has a sizable list of Republican cosponsors, and industry groups have praised the effort to repeal the Superfund Tax. However, supporters of the tax argue it provides crucial funding for environmental cleanup, so the debate over the bill's impact is likely to continue.

The takeaway

This bill highlights the ongoing tensions between energy affordability and environmental protection, as policymakers must balance the needs of consumers, industry, and the planet. The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for gas prices, as well as the future of hazardous waste site cleanup efforts.