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

Send Mayor Mamdani Your Sneckdown Photos! (‘Snow Problem, Streetsblog!’)

"Do you know what a sneckdown is?" "Sneckdown?" "Sneckdown." Therein lies a great story.

January 23, 2026

New Details: Hochul’s Car Insurance ‘Affordability’ Pitch Will Shortchange Crash Victims

Hochul's Uber-backed bid to make car insurance affordable hides harmful policies for victims of car drivers.

January 23, 2026

State Pols Could Regulate E-Bikes Despite Not Knowing What They Are

State lawmakers are flirting with the idea of regulating e-bikes as if they were cars, but don't have all the facts.

January 23, 2026

Letter to Mamdani From Maryland: Free Buses Are Working Great

No fares, no homeless encampments, high-quality service. One suburban county shows the way for the new mayor.

January 23, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: Redesign Not Crackdowns Edition

Mike Flynn was great on WNYC. Plus other news.

January 23, 2026
See all posts