Tax Data, Charts, and Maps
Environment and Energy Taxes
The debate over fuel taxes has become more complex in recent years as the issue of environmental protection has entered the picture. No longer just a way to pay for roads or raise revenue, taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, carbon emissions, and even plastic bags are proposed as a solution to global warming, pollution, and other environmental woes. Soaring gas prices have further complicated energy taxes, eliciting proposals for windfall profits taxes and gas tax holidays—both poor tax policy.
Whether they are looking for a way to pave roads or improve the environment, policymakers need to remember that taxes on companies that produce and use fuel will ultimately be passed on to individuals, whether as consumers, employees or shareholders.
Additional questions about gas taxes? Contact us at (202) 464-6200.
Tax Data from The Tax Foundation
- State Sales, Gasoline, Cigarette, and Alcohol Tax Rates by State, 2000-2009, July 10, 2009
- Federal Excise Tax Rates, 1944-2008. Selected Years, November 9, 2008
- Federal Gasoline Excise Tax Rate, 1932-2008, April 30, 2008
- Oil Profits and Taxes, 1981-2006 , April 2, 2008
- The Growth in Federal Gasoline Taxes, 1932-2005, March 11, 2008
- Toll Revenue vs. Motor Fuel Taxes by State, 2005, June 11, 2007
- State Motor Fuel Tax Collections by State, 2006, June 7, 2007
- Fraction of Each Quintile's Total Tax Burden Accounted for by Each Type of Tax, Calendar Year 2004 , April 1, 2007
- Average Dollar Tax Burdens by Type of Federal Tax, Per Household, Calendar Year 2004 , April 1, 2007
- Federal Excise Tax Collections, 1940-2006, April 28, 2006
- Dates of Adoption of Major State Taxes, January 1, 2005