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politics3h ago
The Gas-Tax Reckoning
- The federal gas tax faces renewed scrutiny as pump prices near $4.50 per gallon, fueling a stalled policy debate.
- Lawmakers consider a first-ever pause on the 18.4-cent federal tax, amid differing views on infrastructure funding consequences.
- The gas tax historically funds the Highway Trust Fund, providing the majority of highway and transit spending.
- Analysts warn pausing the tax could undermine transportation funding and accelerate infrastructure deficits.
- Several countries have paused fuel taxes to ease drivers’ costs, illustrating international contrasts in tax bases.
- Projections show a long-term funding gap, with the Highway Trust Fund facing multibillion-dollar shortfalls in coming years.
- Ideas to replace the gas tax include a vehicle-miles-traveled tax and fees on electric vehicles.
- The piece notes a tension between supporting transit and avoiding intrusive political trade-offs around fuel efficiency.
- The gas tax’s linkage to highway expansion is criticized for potentially increasing driving and undermining environmental aims.
- Experts argue reform could shift infrastructure decisions toward cost-benefit analysis and sustainable transport.
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