Assemblyman proposes fuel-tax exemption for commercial fishermen as Hochul seeks federal aid for aquaculture losses

New York State Assemblyman Tommy John Scavoni has proposed changing fuel-tax rules for commercial fishing vessels so operators would receive a blanket exemption at the pump rather than applying for post-fuel-purchase reimbursements from the state Department of Taxation, the April 10 East End News broadcast reported.

Scavoni said the change would provide immediate relief to fishermen who purchase tens of thousands of dollars of diesel fuel annually, and he contrasted that system with the existing process used by farmers for blanket diesel exemptions.

The report also said Governor Kathy Hochul has appealed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare a state of emergency for Suffolk County’s aquaculture industry after an extreme winter led to ice damage. The governor’s estimate, quoted on the broadcast, put combined losses at about $2,300,000 and described roughly a 30% loss in aquaculture production. Southampton Town had already declared a state of emergency in February to help expedite repairs to damaged docks and marine infrastructure.

The broadcast did not include text of the bill or a legislative number for Scavoni’s proposal, nor did it include comments from the Department of Taxation, the USDA or commercial fishing representatives. The segment framed the matters as immediate economic concerns for local fishermen and shellfish growers and as requests for expedited federal assistance.