The Gulf spill, renewed attention to federal deficit, and summer driving prompts the Washington Post to advocate for a gradual increase in the all-time low federal gas tax, while acknowledging 'fierce' opposition by the electorate and politicians.
The editorial notes how "cheap" driving is today, and refers to the July 2, USA Today analysis (posted on Planetizen) that shows that the current gas taxes are the lowest in history when evaluated with miles driven and income earned.
"We're driving more miles but paying less for the privilege. Small wonder that alternative-fuel vehicles struggle in economic competition with the internal combustion engine. Or that transportation infrastructure is crumbling across the nation...
Any increase should probably be phased in so as not to remove abruptly what has turned into a de facto economic stimulus program.
Motorists hate taxes, of course, and politicians regularly bow to their resistance. But the truth is that few measures would generate more public benefits in return for less sacrifice."
Thanks to Bill Myers
FULL STORY: Tax truth: We need to raise the levy on gasoline
Raise The Gas Tax AND Switch To VMT Fee, Says Commission
The National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission advises Congress that the U.S. is in an infrastructure crisis, and that they must raise the gas excise tax by ten cents now and begin the switch to a VMT fee.
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.
House Committee Proposes $250 EV Tax
The fee is higher than the average tax paid by gas-powered vehicle owners.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.
New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico
An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.
Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes
Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.
Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels
Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions