The United States must step outside of its legislative squabbles to realize how far behind the rest of the world it is in terms of air pollution and develop some truly effective environmental policy regarding fuel emissions. The true cost of driving is not reflected in either the taxes on purchasing vehicles or in gasoline prices. The cost of cleaning up the air is not paid for through the actually practices which cause the pollution. If Americans were to be charged correctly for the amount of air pollution each gallon of fuel burned by their vehicle, it is likely that many would halt extensive driving practices. This issue spreads beyond a tax increase, however.
American culture is vehicle dependent and there are currently few alternatives to driving.
If such a tax were to be levied, the poorest segment of the population would be hit the hardest. If persons of low income are not able to afford to drive to work or school, it is likely that there would be an increased strain on the welfare system. From an economic perspective, this is unacceptable because the cost of such a tax must equal the benefit to society. From a social point of view, a gasoline tax alone would place an unfair burden on the impoverished and is equally undesirable. An increased gasoline tax must be formulated under a comprehensive plan for the future.