"GAS TAX HOLIDAY" NO VACATION FOR ECONOMY, CONSUMERS OR THE ENVIRONMENT

“Gas Tax Holiday” No Vacation for Economy, Consumers or the Environment

Washington, D.C.—Sen. John McCain’s proposed “gas tax holiday” would only weaken the U.S. economy by placing an even greater strain on the nation’s already overburdened transportation infrastructure the American Society of Civil Engineers said today. The three month moratorium on the gas tax could cost the nation’s surface transportation infrastructure as much as $8.5 billion, and delaying these much needed transportation projects would also have a significant ‘trickle down’ cost to the American people, while providing them no real benefit.

Traffic congestion costs the average American motorist $710 a year in lost productivity and wasted fuel—nearly a full work week and more than 25 gallons of gas—and cars and trucks idling in traffic are one of the greatest contributors to carbon emissions. But, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, every dollar invested in the nation’s highway system yields $5.40 in economic benefits in reduced delays, improved safety and lower vehicle operating costs. And, every billion dollars in federal highway construction spending generates more than 30,000 jobs annually.

“What our country needs is leaders who realize that under investing in our infrastructure for short-term gain will just further undermine our economy in the long run,” said ASCE president David G. Mongan, P.E., F.ASCE. “In these difficult economic times, it’s very disappointing to hear such a short-sighted proposal from Sen. McCain.”

For more information on ASCE’s Report Card for America’s Infrastructure and Action Plan for the 110th Congress, please visit: www.asce.org/reportcard.