Federal Action Is a Welcome Step; Charles Says Maine Must Act on Gas Taxes, School Heating, and Household Assistance

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MAINE — Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles welcomed the Trump administration’s decision to release up to 315,000 barrels from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve, supporting the action applauded by Senator Susan Collins to increase supply and help ease heating costs before winter.

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Approximately half of Maine households rely on heating oil. Collins said the Department of Energy anticipates the release will put downward pressure on prices as homeowners prepare for colder weather. The action follows a request from Collins and Senator Angus King.

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Charles supports using available tools to help Maine families afford essential fuel. The reserve release is a welcome step—not a reason for Augusta to sit back and leave the rest to Washington.

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Washington Is Acting. Augusta Should Too.

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Charles previously called for releases from federal energy reserves as part of a broader response to rising fuel costs. His position remains straightforward: seek federal help while taking action at the state level.

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His Emergency 207 Plan would use $207 million from Maine’s Rainy Day Fund to:

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·       Suspend the state gas tax.

·       Cover school heating bills to help protect local property taxpayers.

·       Double LIHEAP heating assistance for qualifying households.

·       Help families facing a heating emergency.

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Charles is calling on Governor Janet Mills to bring the Legislature back into session and advance relief before winter.

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Mills has argued that suspending the gas tax would hurt highway funding. Maine families deserve more than an objection. If the Governor rejects Charles’ proposal, she should offer a workable alternative that protects transportation and delivers meaningful relief.

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Leadership means finding a way to help—not explaining why nothing can be done.

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Another Mills Term Will Not Lower the Bills

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Hannah Pingree spent six years leading Mills’ policy office. She helped shape the administration’s agenda and cannot separate herself from its record when Maine families are looking for a different direction.

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Charles is running to challenge that approach—not continue it under a new name. His priorities include cutting taxes, rolling back costly green mandates, lowering electricity costs, and demanding accountability for how taxpayer money is spent.

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Maine households need a government focused on their budgets, not protecting Augusta’s political establishment. Families should not be asked to absorb higher costs while state leaders defend the status quo.

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Relief Now. Responsible Leadership Ahead.

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The federal reserve release can help increase supply, but its effect on prices will depend on market conditions. Maine should build on that action with targeted state relief rather than treat it as a complete solution.

Charles has managed substantial teams and budgets at the national level. He will put that experience to work setting priorities, controlling spending, and demanding results for Maine taxpayers.

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Winter is a deadline, not a talking point. Washington has taken a welcome step. Augusta needs to do its part.

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Cut crime. Cut taxes. No nonsense.

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Learn more and join the movement at BobbyForMaine.com.

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