Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
The current gas tax is too low to keep the Highway Trust Fund solvent -- what would happen if the tax is cut? Source: Congressional Budget Office

Ben Smith of Politico mentioned a little tidbit that has eluded some of us: The federal gas tax expires September 30, at the same time as the current reauthorization extension. Most of it, anyway -- 4.3 cents of the current 18.4-cent-per-gallon tax will stay.

The gas tax isn't part of the reauthorization; it's just a coincidence that the dates are the same. Regardless, it's another thing to worry about on that day.

Smith cites an accountant's memo which details exactly what's expiring:

— All but 4.3 cents-per-gallon of the taxes on highway gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and alternative fuels (Secs. 4041(a) and 4081(d)(1))— Reduced rate of tax on partially exempt methanol or ethanol fuel (Sec. 4041(m))— Tax on retail sale of heavy highway vehicles (Sec. 4051(c))— Tax on heavy truck tires (Sec. 4071(d))— Annual use tax on heavy highway vehicles (Sec. 4481(f))

"What could possibly go wrong?" tweets kclightrail.

No one on Capitol Hill is seriously suggesting an increase in the tax, and transportation advocates are just hoping no one targets it for a cut. So, while the expiration of the reauthorization is the subject of much fanfare, the impending expiration of the gas tax has mostly flown under the radar, and that's just the way many advocates want it.

But the date is circled on the staff calendar over at Transportation for America. "In this political climate, who knows if Congress will suddenly decide to cut the gas tax?" said T4America's Steve Davis.

Indeed, as advocates have pushed (to no avail) for a higher gas tax to fund the nation's transportation needs, they may now find themselves having to defend the too-low tax we now have.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Thursday’s Headlines Can’t Afford a Car

High car prices (and loan default rates) are a sign of a K-shaped economy where the wealthy thrive and the lower classes struggle, CNBC reports.

October 16, 2025

In the Era of Mass Deportations, Traffic Reform is More Important Than Ever

"We have tried criminalizing our way out of systemic problems before; it has not worked, and it has harmed the very communities we claim to support."

October 16, 2025

Commentary: The Horrifying Sound of Traffic Violence

Bernal residents could have woken to the sound of a reckless driver crashing into concrete. Instead, another man is dead in a city that isn't yet serious about Vision Zero

October 15, 2025

Trump’s Electrification, Transit, and Active Transportation Cuts are Short-Sighted: Report

EV infrastructure is far more valuable to the nation's prosperity and jobs market than the White House believes, according to a new report.

October 15, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines Hurry Up and Wait

As cities save lives by slowing down traffic, every 5-miles-per-hour increase on interstates increases the chances of death by 8.5 percent.

October 15, 2025

The Audacious Idea to Connect America With Trails Is More Necessary Now Than Ever

Seattle's bike blogger takes a ride on some of Washington's best rail trails — and makes the case for extending the "Great American Rail Trail" across the country.

October 15, 2025
See all posts