Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Cars

Pelosi: Gas Tax Hike Doesn’t Have Majority Support in Congress

After touring the Detroit Auto Show yesterday with fellow lawmakers, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) took one question yesterday: Why are Democrats not pursuing a federal gas tax hike, given its potential to cut carbon emissions and its support from auto industry players aiming to stoke demand for efficient cars?

large_080325_nancy_pelosi_quell_infighting.JPGHouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (Photo: mlive.com)

Pelosi's answer was a lengthy one, but here's how she began:

Well, there certainly has been advocacy for such a position. It does not, certainly, have a majority in the Congress of the United States at this time. So we want to approach this in a way that is comprehensive, that certainly keeps in mind of concerns of the consumer, the concerns of the industry, and of the environment.  This is not to say one idea is better than another — it’s just to say that at the present time, there are other initiatives that we have.

Pelosi added that she had met earlier in the day with Debbie Stabenow, one of Michigan's two Democratic senators, to discuss the climate bill pending in the upper chamber of Congress. Stabenow is a vigilant protector of her state's auto industry and last year signaled that she ultimately would have voted no on cap-and-trade legislation.

"[W]e’re hopeful that some of the
initiatives that are in that [climate] legislation — when it passes and is signed into
law — will address some of the same concerns that a gas tax would," Pelosi said.

But for now, her answer should be considered equally relevant to the stalemate over the next long-term transportation bill. Without congressional willingness to pay for the legislation, through a gas tax increase or similar new charge, it's unlikely to come up until next year.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

How Transportation Reformers Can Strategize for the Second Trump Administration

He's not backing down on the mission to make America more green and equitable — but he isn't using those words. And therein lies a strategy.

April 21, 2025

Monday’s Headlines Get Pumped

Contrary to what President Trump says, gas remains expensive — another reason to walk, bike or take transit.

April 21, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Early Trump Memos Undermine Sean Duffy’s Argument Against Congestion Pricing

The feds did not question New York State's approach to congestion pricing in the first Trump administration, memos show.

April 21, 2025

Music City Meltown: Nashville Needs Transit-Oriented Development

The Tennessee capital needs better transit and zoning changes if it is going to prosper, a new report shows.

April 21, 2025

Friday’s Headlines Back the Bikes

Setting aside the fact that bike lanes don't make traffic worse, resisting bikelash on busy roads is essential to creating a useable network.

April 18, 2025
See all posts