Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Energy

Q Poll Finds Americans Opposed to Gas Tax “Holiday”

For what it's worth, a Quinnipiac poll released today again shows that Americans aren't buying into the Clinton-McCain gas tax "holiday" gimmick.

By a 49 - 41 percent margin, American voters say eliminating the federal gas tax for the summer is a bad idea... Republicans split 45 - 46 percent on the gas tax 'holiday,' while Democrats say 49 - 42 percent it's a bad idea and independent voter turn thumbs down 56 -38 percent.

The proposed gas tax cut is a loser in red states, 48 - 42 percent, blue states, 49 - 43 percent and purple - or swing - states, 51 - 39 percent, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh- pe-ack) University poll finds.

"Rising gas prices are more than just an abstract worry. Americans say they've cut back on their household spending and on how much they drive," said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"But the political quick fix - a gasoline tax holiday for the summer - has more opposition than support. Imagine that: American voters opposed to a tax cut."

Sounds encouraging, except that those polled apparently don't see their own consumption as part of the problem: 

"Who's to blame? Oil companies and President Bush get more blame even than the oil producing countries. And almost nobody is blaming gas guzzlers," Carroll said.

On that point, the Q-polled public and its Congress agree.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

ANALYSIS: With ‘State of the Agency’ Celebration, DOT Sends Its Resumé to Mamdani

Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez held an invitation-only valedictory address that misrepresented the agency's accomplishments — and called out reporters just trying to do their jobs.

December 3, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Biden Their Time Edition

All the signs point to not wanting to piss off the president. Plus other news.

December 3, 2025

OPINION: On Fifth Avenue, Pedestrians Must Come First

Business leaders on Fifth Avenue respond to criticisms of Mayor Adams's proposal for the high-end retail corridor.

December 3, 2025

Streetsies 2025: Revisit Our Most-Read Stories of the Year

Let's kick off our year-in-review season with a riddle: What's orange and black and read all over? (Answer: Streetsblog!)

December 3, 2025

Rep. Ritchie Torres, Advocates Call For More Public Comment on Cross Bronx Project

The public was given until just Jan. 9 to weigh in on the 6,000-page document — a 53-day period that includes multiple holidays.

December 2, 2025

Giving Tuesday: Donate and Get Your ‘Official’ Streetsblog Parking Placard Here!

This year, your donation comes with the ultimate city perk: a completely official-looking, yet completely fake, Streetsblog parking placard! Donate today!

December 2, 2025
See all posts