LITTLE ROCK (AP) -- Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe says lifting the federal or state tax on gas during the summer wouldn't do much to help consumers hurt by rising fuel prices.
Beebe said proposals for a "holiday" on gas taxes at the state or federal level wouldn't address the problems that are causing rises in fuel prices. Beebe, a Democrat, has endorsed presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton, who supports a federal holiday on the gas tax during the summer.
Both Clinton and John McCain have proposed suspending the federal gas tax of 18.4 cents a gallon for three months. Democratic candidate Barack Obama opposes the idea.
Beebe said he's also opposed to suspending the 21.6-cent state gas tax over the summer, citing the state's road construction and maintenance needs. The state levies a 22.6 cent per gallon on diesel.
Beebe says more investment in alternative fuels and energy sources such as solar or wind power would help reduce rising gas prices.
A proposal to suspend part of Louisiana's fuel tax over the summer is pending before its Legislature.
