Catania noted, "The current scheme taxes consumers based on the price of natural gas, rather than the amount of gas used. As winter approaches, it is vital that the Council act swiftly to make this change so District residents can afford to heat their homes."

The Natural Gas Taxation Relief Emergency Act removes natural gas from the gross receipts tax by which that commodity has been taxed based on its cost. Under this emergency legislation, natural gas will be taxed according to the amount used during any billing cycle, similar to electricity.

The new tax rate has been established to ensure that the amount collected will meet previously stated projections for the current Fiscal Year, but not provide a financial windfall at the expense of consumers.

Catania continued, "Taxing natural gas according to consumption is good for all District residents. Low and middle-income families, as well as small businesses and non-profits, will experience tax relief and be able to better predict their gas bill thanks to this action."