Do Americans Support a Gasoline Tax? Depends on How You Phrase It

While I am a huge fan of a gasoline tax (or a Patriot Tax as Tom Friedman calls it), it doesn't have much support from any politicians. I figured that was because the American public is overwhelmingly against it. But, when you take a look at this poll, the results are really dependent on how you ask the question.

When asked generically whether they would be in favor of a $2 dollar federal gasoline tax, 76% were not in favor. When asked about a $1 tax, 70% were against it.

When the question was modified to In order to cut down on energy consumption and reduce global warming, would you favor or oppose an increased federal tax on gasoline? Then only 58% opposed.

Switched to what if an increased tax on gasoline was used to help pay for the war on terrorism and would reduce the United States' dependence on oil from countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, then would you favor or oppose an increased federal tax on gasoline? 49% opposed (44% were in favor).

Surprisingly, when asked would you be willing or not willing to pay higher taxes on gasoline and other fuels if the money was used for research into renewable sources like solar and wind energy then 64% were willing.

64% were also in favor if asked if an increased tax on gasoline would reduce the United States' dependence on foreign oil, then would you favor or oppose an increased federal tax on gasoline.

Moral of the story is that a majority of people are willing to support a gasoline tax to lessen dependence on foreign oil or to support research in renewable energy, but not to cut down on energy consumption and reduce global warming. That or else people just like to screw with pollsters who ask the same question 6 different times.

via NY Times