Gov. Ehrlich could cut gas tax to ease pain at the pump

BALTIMORE - Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. is considering a temporary cut in the state gas tax as a way to soften the blow of rising gas prices.

Speaking at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center yesterday, the governor said "all options are on the table" when it comes to helping consumers, who are now paying more than $3 per gallon for regular in many places.

"We're looking for anything and everything we can do for the average consumer," Mr. Ehrlich told reporters after a news conference on clean air initiatives.

When it comes to providing relief on prices, the governor said the only tool he has is cutting the state gas tax,...