Kentuckians could see 10 cents off at the pump. But something else has to happen first.

Governor Andy Beshear announced several steps he wants to take to improve affordability for Kentuckians- but he can't act alone.

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Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced a series of steps Tuesday aimed at easing the pain at the pump for Kentucky families, including an emergency move to cut the state gas tax by 10 cents per gallon- but there's a catch.

The reduction can't happen without sign-off from Kentucky's Attorney General Russell Coleman.

"Reducing the gas tax and implementing it quickly requires the AG sign-off," Beshear said, citing a Kentucky Supreme Court decision that requires freezing certain statutes currently on the books. "My hope is the AG sees it the same way that I do- that saving families 10 cents a gallon at the pump right now is the right thing to do."

If the AG approves, the cut would take effect as soon as May 11, applying to both regular and diesel fuel. Beshear said the reduction has the potential to save Kentuckians $26.8 million every month it's in effect.

The governor is also activating the state's price gouging statute, making clear he expects that 10-cent savings to actually reach drivers- not get absorbed by stations or wholesalers.

Separate from the AG-dependent cut, Beshear signed an emergency regulation Tuesday to freeze the current gas tax at 26.4 cents per gallon, blocking a planned July 1 increase to roughly 27 cents. That freeze alone would save Kentuckians a combined $1.7 million per month, he said.

Beshear also sent letters to congressional leaders Tuesday urging a suspension of the federal gas tax through the end of the year, which he said would shave another 18.4 cents off the price at the pump if Congress acts.

And looking ahead to next year, he signed a separate executive order freezing the motor vehicle assessment rate, meaning Kentuckians won't pay more in vehicle property taxes in 2027 than they do this year.

The governor framed his announcement against the backdrop of gas prices that spiked more than 20% in a single month, pushing inflation to a nearly three-year high. He said families are being forced to choose between food and medication.

Beshear also made a pointed push to keep the issue out of partisan territory. He noted that Republican Governor Mike Braun of Indiana recently took similar executive action and was praised by Senate Republicans for it.

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"The price of gas isn't partisan. It's not Democrat or Republican. It's just too high," Beshear said. "It would be pretty ironic if our state Republicans opposed it, and Kentucky Republicans and California Democrats somehow had the same opinion on something."

Also of note- Beshear reminded Louisville-area drivers of a win already in the pipeline: his earlier request to remove Jefferson, Bullitt, and Oldham counties from the federal reformulated gasoline program was approved. That change takes effect May 27 and is expected to save drivers in those communities an average of $137 million per year, with gas prices dropping 10 to 25 cents per gallon in the region.

I reached out to Attorney General Russell Coleman's team about the request, and his team sent the following statement:

"Of course Kentuckians should have lower gas prices. But Governor Beshear has vetoed almost every tax cut that’s come to his desk. Now, he’s just playing politics and running for President. Kentuckians stand with President Trump, and they’re not buying what the Governor is selling" -Attorney General Russell Coleman

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