Why a Federal Gas Tax Holiday Is a Terrible Idea
The proposal to suspend the federal gas tax is gaining traction among lawmakers as gas prices remain high. Experts warn that even if the tax is lifted temporarily, it may not significantly benefit consumers due to other factors influencing fuel prices. Additionally, cutting the tax could worsen federal revenue issues and infrastructure maintenance.
- ▪Gas prices have risen to an average of $4.53 per gallon, up from $4.12 a month ago.
- ▪Experts believe that suspending the gas tax will not lead to substantial savings for consumers.
- ▪The federal gas tax funds the Highway Trust Fund, which is already facing insolvency issues.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: "motherjones_right_rail_1", slotId: "ROS_ATF_300x600" }); Gas prices over five dollars a gallon are displayed at an Exxon gas station in Washington, DC on March 31, 2026.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Get your news from a source that’s not owned and controlled by oligarchs. Sign up for the free Mother Jones Daily. This story was originally published by WIRED and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. As gas prices stay stubbornly high across the country, President Donald Trump mused last week about suspending the fuel tax US consumers pay. The idea is also picking up steam in Congress, with Democratic and Republican lawmakers pushing for a gas tax holiday.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Mother Jones.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Mother Jones
