ASA Warns Against Federal Gas Tax Suspension, Urges Congress to Act

ASA, along with the Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC), voiced strong opposition to proposals to suspend the federal gas tax. Per the TCC, such plans would have minimal impact on consumer prices while threatening funding for projects that maintain and improve roads, bridges, and transit systems nationwide.

Analyses show that gas tax holidays rarely benefit consumers. A 2022 Transportation Investment Advocacy Center study found that temporary suspensions did not lower prices at the pump in any meaningful way; costs rebounded within days, with no guarantee that savings would reach drivers. Meanwhile, poor road conditions continue to drive up the real costs of travel. TRIP reports that 40% of major U.S. roads are in poor or mediocre condition, adding an average of $723 per year in extra vehicle repairs, fuel consumption, and wear-and-tear for drivers.

The TCC emphasized that undermining the Highway Trust Fund would make it even harder to address these hidden costs. Instead, the coalition called on Congress to focus on proven solutions: timely passage of a surface transportation reauthorization bill. Current highway and transit programs are set to expire on September 30, and without congressional action, state departments of transportation face delays and higher project costs.

“Congressional action by September 30 will reduce bottlenecks, ease congestion, improve safety, and help lower the real costs drivers face from deteriorating roads,” the TCC said. The coalition stands ready to work with Congress to ensure that transportation funding continues to support communities and improve the affordability and reliability of travel for all Americans.