North Carolina lawmakers weigh gas tax cut as special session nears

North Carolina lawmakers will convene for a one-day special session Wednesday to address high fuel costs, with a potential state gas tax change under consideration, though drivers may not see immediate pump savings. Republican leaders, who control the General Assembly, have not detailed their proposal, but options include suspending or reducing the state's 41-cent-per-gallon motor fuels tax. The session comes ahead of November midterm elections, with gas prices averaging $4.03 per gallon in North Carolina, up from $2.82 a year ago. Fuel taxes are charged upstream, so relief would depend on how quickly lower-taxed fuel reaches retailers. Democratic Gov. Josh Stein could approve, veto, or let any legislation become law without his signature. Stein has already suspended penalties for farmers using dyed diesel on highways through Dec. 31.