Poll: Americans Support 10-Cent Gas Tax Hike

A majority of voters would support a 10-cent increase in the federal gas tax if the money is used for specific transportation improvements, according to a new poll released

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According to a poll released by the Mineta Transportation Institute, San Jose, CA, a majority of Americans would support a 10-cent increase to the current federal 18.4 cents-per-gallon gas tax if used for specific transportation purposes. For example, a gas tax increase of 10 cents per gallon to improve road maintenance was supported by 69% of respondents, whereas support levels dropped to 51% if the revenues were to be devoted to reducing global warming, or only 25% if the revenues were to support undefined transportation purposes.

The poll found that 69% of respondents would be willing to pay 10 cents more if the money is spent on "projects to maintain streets, roads and highways."

Another 63% would support a 10-cent gas tax hike if the money is spent on “projects to reduce accidents and improve safety,” while 57% said they would approve of the increase if it was used to pay for “projects to add modern, technological systems.” 

As for tax options where the revenues were to be spent for undefined transportation purposes, support levels varied considerably by the kind of tax that would be imposed, with a sales tax much more popular (49%) than either a gas tax increase (25%) or a new mileage tax (19%).

Download the results of the poll here.

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