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Home Front Economy
Dingell Wants 50-Cent Tax Hike on Every Gallon of Gas
2008-03-21
A Michigan congressman wants to put a 50-cent tax on every gallon of gasoline to try to cut back on Americans' consumption.
The man's a genius. An absolute genius.
Polls show that a majority of Americans support policies that would reduce greenhouse gases. But when it comes to paying for it, it's a different story. Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., wants to help cut consumption with a gas tax but some don't agree with the idea, according to a new poll by the National Center for Public Policy Research.
"Some" equating to somewhere around 99 percent of the population.
The poll, scheduled to be released on Thursday, shows 48 percent don't support paying even a penny more, 28 percent would pay up to 50 cents more, 10 percent would pay more than 50 cents and 8 percent would pay more than a dollar. The automobile is the nation's biggest polluter; Americans use more gas than the next 20 countries combined.
Posted by:Fred

#9  I understand, P2K, and put forth the idea uderstanding it is both extremly unlikely and unforgivingly utopian.

Still, it's a shame it can't be implemented. Same with KBK's idea; just not possible in the current time frame.
Posted by: Bobby   2008-03-21 12:47  

#8  We don't need another tax on gas at the pump. We need a permanent tariff on imported oil to keep it above $65 per barrel. The resulting funds should be used for energy infrastructure development and alternative energy (e.g. nuclear -> liquid fuel) development. That would get us off the Mideast oil.
Posted by: KBK   2008-03-21 09:04  

#7  On the other hand, the increase in revenue could go toward fixing up the roads we do have, then improving trains and transit and other fuel alternatives.

Bobby, that has been the rationalization for prior tax increase. Instead the money is sequestered to balance the books so it never sees the light day in those 'promised' areas except in Congressional pork welfare which never results in anything with practical commercial applications.
Posted by: Procopius2k   2008-03-21 09:03  

#6  I must have missed the part where he said the poor (his voters) would receive a $2 per gallon rebate for their gas purchases.
Posted by: Glenmore   2008-03-21 06:58  

#5  He stole the idea from me, but mucked up the timing.

I say - but for the economy and ending of the Arab chockhold on oil, not for MMGW - raise the Federal gas tax five cents a gallon for the next 40 years. Ramps up slow, gives folks a change to sell off their old gas guzzler, lets people plan for higher prices, etc., but demonstrates a long-term commitment to weaning ourselves off big oil.

On the other hand, the increase in revenue could go toward fixing up the roads we do have, then improving trains and transit and other fuel alternatives.

On the third hand, if there was another oil embargo, or other supply problem, the tax could be suspended to reduce the price spike.

Obviously, this was much too complicated for John. But please don't tell Ralph Nader about my idea.
Posted by: Bobby   2008-03-21 06:08  

#4  Congress-stooge John Dingell 'Berry',D-MI, has a problem with the 'supply and demand' theory, however if the voters demand he be recalled, the supply of dumb ideas may decrease from a State with 58 cents a gallon tax compared to the national average of 47 cents (plus the Fed 18 cent/gal tax). Greenhouse Maroon
Posted by: Muggsy Gling   2008-03-21 00:31  

#3  Sure, Johnny. While we're at it, how about we put all of your constituents who work in the auto industry out of a job? And how about you walk back and forth to DC to reduce those "greenhouse gases" you're so worried about?
By the way, Johnny? What are greenhouse gases?
Posted by: tu3031   2008-03-21 00:31  

#2  what? the 17% you already get is not enough?

Oh, wait. Thats Michigan. Never mind.
Posted by: newc   2008-03-21 00:25  

#1  I support paying $2 less a gallon.
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418   2008-03-21 00:08  

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