A New York lawmaker is pushing to ease the burden of rising fuel costs on commercial fishermen, introducing legislation that would allow fishing vessel operators to access fuel tax exemptions upfront rather than waiting months for reimbursement.
According to Spectrum Local News, New York State Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni introduced the bill on April 6, citing increasing diesel prices tied to the war in Iran and the growing financial strain on the state’s commercial fleet. The proposal aims to bring commercial fishermen in line with the agricultural sector, which already benefits from more immediate fuel tax relief.
Under current rules, fishermen must pay full price at the pump and then apply through the Department of Taxation for a refund on sales and use taxes. Schiavoni said that the process can take months, leaving fishermen to carry the upfront cost of fuel– often a significant expense for vessels that may burn up to 10,000 gallons annually.
The proposed legislation would allow fishermen to apply for a state tax exemption certificate, similar to what farmers receive, enabling immediate relief instead of delayed reimbursement.
“Among many other factors, the amount of fuel tax spent by commercial fishermen in New York forces many fishermen to do business in other states where diesel and supplies cost less, ultimately taking away from Long Island’s blue economy,” Schiavoni said in a statement. “The affordability crisis is hitting hard for everyone, and while the Administration wages a war in the Middle East, fuel prices continue to rise, forcing fishermen to pay even more than they should just to go to work.”
For commercial operators, the issue goes beyond paperwork. Carrying thousands of dollars in fuel costs upfront can impact trip planning, limit time on the water, and push vessels to fuel outside New York, shifting economic activity away from local ports.
The bill comes as part of a broader push by state lawmakers to address fuel costs. According to Spectrum Local News, state senators recently asked Gov. Kathy Hochul to support a gas and diesel tax holiday similar to a measure enacted in 2022, though the governor has not signaled support for that approach.
If approved, Schiavoni’s proposal could offer more immediate financial relief for commercial fishermen navigating tight margins and rising operating costs.
