No Taxation Without Allocation

Americans would support gas tax in service of green goals, poll finds

Most Americans would support a higher federal gasoline tax if the proceeds went toward ending dependence on foreign oil, reducing global warming, or cutting energy consumption, a new nationwide telephone poll shows. Some 85 percent of adults polled opposed an increased gas tax with no qualifications. But when the funds were to be earmarked for energy-independence and environmental goals, support rose to 55 percent or more. Follow-up interviews affirmed that support. "If it was a tax that would sponsor research for fuel cells or alternative fuel sources, I could buy that," said one Louisiana Republican. The takeaway may be that despite opposition from politicos on both sides of the aisle, Americans are ready to pay more to promote energy conservation -- when they know the money will make a real difference.