The Signs Are Everywhere
If you’ve filled up your tank at a Terrible’s gas station lately, you’ve probably seen them – bold ads playing on the screens right at the pump. Their message is clear: Stop Assembly Bill 530.
These digital billboards are popping up at gas stations across the Las Vegas Valley, urging everyday Nevadans to speak out against what many conservatives see as a government power grab over your wallet.
What’s Happening
Those ads are part of a battle brewing in Carson City over who gets to decide how much tax you pay at the pump.
Nevada lawmakers are considering AB 530 which would give county commissioners – not voters – the power to extend fuel taxes for another ten years. The current tax is set to expire at the end of 2026.
Right now, every gallon of gas you buy includes about 16 cents that goes to the Regional Transportation Commission. That money pays for road projects across Southern Nevada.
Never seen before at a Gas Station. Chevron gas station are advertising to VOT NO ON AB530 @NVGovernment at every Terrible Gas Station across the valley. @JosephMLombardo one of our oldest businesses in the State of Nevada. pic.twitter.com/V7Rqtc01yI
— Peace Alliance (@nvPeaceAlliance) April 16, 2025
Why Conservatives Are Concerned
This bill touches on something many conservatives hold dear – the idea that government shouldn’t tax citizens without their direct say-so.
“If politicians can bypass voter approval for tax increases here, it could open the door for more taxes being raised without direct public consent,” warns the Stop AB530 website featured in the gas station ads.
Think about it this way: Back in 2016, voters themselves approved the current tax. That’s how it should work – you and your neighbors decided it was worth paying more at the pump to fix our roads. But this new bill would take that decision away from voters and hand it to county commissioners.
Janine Hansen from Nevada Families for Freedom put it plainly:
“Are we afraid of a vote by the people? Do we believe in democracy? I think it’s very important that we have the vote of the people.”
TODAY, the Nevada Assembly votes on AB530 AGAIN
This bill strips voters of their right to approve gas tax hikes, giving county commissioners unchecked power to raise pump prices.
AB530 burdens families with higher costs and sets a dangerous precedent for future increases.
— Schayden Gorai (@schaykg) April 30, 2025
What Supporters Say
Of course, those pushing for the bill have their reasons. They say the tax is needed to keep up with our growing city.
M.J. Maynard, who runs the Regional Transportation Commission, claims the bill “is vital” for “our rapidly growing population” and would “enhance safety, create capacity and keep Southern Nevada moving.”
Without the tax, they say they’d lose $200 million each year for road projects. That’s a lot of money, but conservatives might ask – shouldn’t the people decide if it’s worth it?
Been Here Before
This isn’t the first time lawmakers have tried this. Governor Joe Lombardo, a Republican, vetoed a similar bill just last year. That version didn’t even have an end date.
The new version would at least sunset after ten years, requiring voters to approve it again in 2036. But that’s still a decade of taxation without a direct vote from the people.
What Might Happen Next
The bill is being discussed in Carson City today, Wednsday April 30. If it passes, county commissioners would need a two-thirds vote to extend the tax.
For conservatives who value limited government, this is a chance to speak up. You could call your state representatives or county commissioners. You could visit the website shown in those gas station ads to learn how to make your voice heard.
Remember, this isn’t just about 16 cents per gallon. It’s about who decides when and how much government can tax you – elected officials or you, the voter.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
