On June 11, 2025, the American Consumer Institute (ACI) hosted a webinar discussion centered on new polling that sheds light on how consumers view existing transportation excise taxes, such as the federal gas tax, and their openness to alternative funding mechanisms like vehicle miles traveled (VMT) fees and electric vehicle charges.
Key Takeaways:
- A strong majority of Americans believe infrastructure funding should be transparent and equitable.
- Many respondents express concerns over the fairness of current fuel taxes, particularly given the rise in electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Support for alternative funding options varies widely by political affiliation, income, and geographic region.
Panelists—Tirzah Duren from ACI, Michael Gorman, PhD from the University of Dayton, and
Alex Muresianu from the Tax Foundation—discussed discussed how these insights can inform future legislation, emphasizing the need for funding mechanisms that align with consumer expectations and market trends.
As policymakers explore ways to modernize transportation infrastructure funding, understanding consumer attitudes is more important than ever. This discussion highlighted how public opinion can inform fair, effective tax policy and long-term investment strategies.
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