Gas Tax Falling Short in Paying for Transportation Needs

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The federal gas tax — 18.4 cents a gallon for gasoline, 24.4 cents for diesel — is growing anemic because of more fuel-efficient vehicles, Americans driving fewer miles and the growth of electric and alternative-fuel vehicles. The tax rate on gasohol and most other special fuels is much less. "It no longer works as our primary source," says Jim Burnley, a Washington, D.C., transportation attorney who was Transportation secretary for President Reagan. "We're going to have to figure out, as a country, other mechanisms."

Source: Article posted by USA Today on February 24: read more.