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.

  • BradleyUffner@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    3 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.