A Second Federal Commission Pushes Fuel Tax Hike

Exactly a year after the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission released its report calling for a fuel tax hike, the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission calls for much of the same.

1 minute read

January 5, 2009, 12:00 PM PST

By Irvin Dawid


Well, the report isn't exactly the same. While the Jan, 2008 report by the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission recommended new revenue strategies, including "increasing the Federal gas tax between 25-40 cents (5-8 cents per gallon, per year), with the rate increase indexed and phased in over time", the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission would "add 10 cents more per gallon of gas and up to 15 cents more for diesel".

Both reports call for shifting from gas taxes to vehicle-miles-traveled fees with global positioning satellite systems to compensate for fuel-efficient vehicles that pay less gas tax, as well as alternative-fueled vehicles that may pay no gas tax.

The reports both advocate highway tolls and congestion pricing pursued by state agencies.

From Proposed Gas Tax Hike Draws Criticism"/5WTVH (Syracuse, NY TV)

"The commission is expected to release their recommended proposal to Congress by the end of the month."

Thanks to Chuck Siegel

Saturday, January 3, 2009 in Takepart

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Rendering of proposed housing development on former Desert Pines golf course in East Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas Golf Course to Become Over 1,000 Units of Affordable Housing

The project is part of an initiative to build affordable housing on shuttered golf courses.

November 20, 2024 - KTNV

Close-up of laptop with real estate listings shown on map.

Cities and States Taking Action to Limit Rent-Setting AI

Federal prosecutors are charging a software company with using algorithms to artificially inflate rents.

6 hours ago - CALmatters

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit train at elevated station with hills and palm tree in background.

BART to Raise Fares in January

The transit agency says it needs more state and federal support to meet its operating costs and avoid a growing budget gap.

7 hours ago - The San Francisco Chronicle

Long row of Bixi bike share bikes parked at station on street in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Bike Share Breaks Ridership Record With 13 Million Rides

The Bixi system introduced a winter pilot project last year, leading to a rise in winter cycling.

December 2 - The Montreal Gazette

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.