In response to the call for a federal gas tax holiday made by President Biden, U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins says he's not confident that's the best way to address the problem.

Higgins released a statement that said, in part, “Instead of relying on the gas companies to relay savings at the pump, federal action should provide relief directly to the pockets of the American people."

"One way to do this in the short term is to provide a refundable tax credit while at the same time decreasing U.S. reliance on foreign oil over the longer term by accelerating the availability of electric vehicles,” he continued.

Additionally, Higgins says despite the drop in crude oil prices and the tax breaks implemented by New York state and local governments, consumers are not seeing those savings. He accuses big oil producers of purposely keeping supply low, something that won't be fixed with a tax holiday.

New York state approved a gas tax holiday, suspending the state’s 16-cent tax on gas between June 1 and continuing through December 31. 

Niagara County is suspending its 4% gas tax when gas prices exceed $3 per gallon through December 1, while Erie County capped the local tax on gas over $2 per gallon through Feb. 28, 2023, which should effectively reduce the price by 11-cents per gallon.