House bill aims to up federal gas tax by 15 cents

Another bill was introduced in the House of Representatives related to transportation infrastructure funding. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) introduced this latest one, The Update, Promote, and Develop America’s Transportation Essentials (UPDATE) Act, which would nearly double the federal gas tax from 18.4 cents per gallon to 33.4 cents per gallon. According to a press release, the bill would phase in a 15-cent-per gallon increase over three years.

Several companies and organizations issued statements in support of UPDATE, including Rick Patek, group president of Astec Industries and chairman of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

“The UPDATE Act of 2013 could spur economic growth and competitiveness while improving our nation’s ability to efficiently move goods and people,” says Patek, through a press release. “Investing in our national infrastructure is critical to keeping America competitive, and we appreciate Congressman Blumenauer taking these important steps to ensure we can reauthorize the federal highway bill for the long-term.”

Also, The Hill reports that Blumenauer wants to study a proposal to tax drivers based on the number of miles they drive.