As gas prices approach $4 a gallon nationally amid the conflict in Iran, some lawmakers are pushing to suspend the federal gasoline tax.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/44856828

As the war in Iran pushes U.S. gas prices toward $4 a gallon nationally, some lawmakers are pushing to suspend the federal gasoline tax in the latest attempt to try to control surging energy costs.

Lawmakers say the action would provide much-needed relief for families and businesses that rely on their cars and trucks to get to work and school and run everyday errands.

Asked about the gas tax at a Cabinet meeting Thursday, Donald Trump said he has “thought about” suspending it but suggested states should consider suspending their fuel taxes.

  • grue@lemmy.worldOPMEnglish
    18·
    3 days ago

    LOL, nope. Gas tax revenue is only a small fraction of the cost of road maintenance.

    The notion that drivers are paying their fair share is just a lie carbrains claim in order to bully cyclists.

    • PedestrianError :vbus: :nblvt:@towns.gay
      4·
      3 days ago

      @grue @Armok_the_bunny But with that said, as gas taxes do pay for some of road maintenance and expansion and the politicians in power (from both parties but especially Republicans) will never get over their addiction to reckless highway expansion, any temporary or permanent cuts to gas tax will be accompanied by efforts to end federal funding for transit as well as any facilities at all for people to walk and bike safely on roads.

    • BradleyUffner@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      2 days ago

      That tax argument has never really made sense to me. As an avid cyclist, I don’t know anyone that owns a bike but doesn’t also own a car. I’m sure they exist in big cities, but I’ve never met them.

      • grue@lemmy.worldOPMEnglish
        2·
        2 days ago

        It’s not meant to make sense; it’s meant to sound ‘truthy’ (which is not the same as ‘truthful’) enough to serve as an excuse try to attack cyclists as not deserving to use the road.

        The reality is, road wear and tear goes up with the fourth power of vehicle weight. If cyclists were taxed 1¢ and other road users were taxed fairly and proportionally, the average sedan driver would be taxed thousands of dollars, and 18-wheeler drivers would be taxed millions.