YouGov’s latest research shows that only a quarter of the American public actually support the proposal to increase gas taxes, while just over half (55%) oppose the plan. Even Democrats tend to oppose (41%) rather than support (36%) the plan, and among independents (61%) and Republicans (63%) opposition is widespread.
Despite opposition to higher gas taxes, most Americans don’t report that gas prices have been much of a problem for them lately. 37% of Americans say that the price of gas is ‘not at all’ a problem for them or their family lately, while another 38% say that it is ‘not too serious’ a problem. It’s ‘very’ serious problem for 6% of Americans, and a ‘somewhat’ serious issue for another 19%. By comparison back in 2012 just under 80% of Americans said that gas prices were at least a ‘somewhat’ serious issue for their family.
Satisfaction with local road conditions varies greatly across regions. People in the South (50%) and West (47%) are much more likely than people in the Northeast (36%) or Midwest (33%) to say that road conditions in their area are ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ good. In the Northeast, at least, the poor condition of local roads exists alongside the highest regional level of support for increased gas taxes, but people in the Midwest are no more likely to support higher gas taxes than people in the South or West, despite being the most dissatisfied with their roads and highways.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member