U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Vehicle Technologies Program

Fact #418: April 3, 2006
Consumer Preference on Gasoline Tax vs. Fuel Economy Regulation

The New York Times conducted a poll last month asking consumers their preference between requiring manufacturers to produce energy efficient cars or imposing higher Federal gasoline taxes in order to reduce energy use and global warming. Overwhelmingly the consumers chose against the gasoline tax in favor of requiring manufacturers to make fuel-efficient vehicles.

Question: "In order to cut down on energy consumption and reduce global-warming, which would you prefer – requiring car manufacturers to produce cars that are more energy efficient OR imposing an increased federal tax on gasoline?"
Response to question on what steps consumers would prefer to take to cut down on energy consumption and reduce global-warming. The results are as follows: 87% - mandating more energy efficient cars, 8% - federal tax on gasoline, and 5% - no opinion or didn't know.

Supporting Information

Question: "In order to cut down on energy consumption and reduce global-warming, which would you prefer – requiring car manufacturers to produce cars that are more energy efficient OR imposing an increased federal tax on gasoline?"
  Share of Respondents
Mandate more energy efficient cars 87%
Federal tax on gasoline 8%
No opinion/Don't know 5%

Source: New York Times/CBS News Poll, February 22-26, 2006, N=1018 (PDF 119 KB) Download Adobe Reader.

 

Return to 2006 Facts of the Week