With Gas Tax Revenues Dwindling, Congress Eyes EV Fees

The dormant federal gas tax, which hasn’t changed since 1993, and increasing vehicle fuel efficiency are straining the highway upkeep fund.

NCSL By Ben Nasta August 18, 2026

The nation’s roads, highways and bridges keep Americans and their goods moving. All levels of government play a role in keeping this crucial infrastructure up to code, but the federal government’s funding role is vital.

Congress regularly allocates billions of dollars for transportation projects in every state, commonwealth and territory through legislation called surface transportation reauthorization. Federal lawmakers are working on new surface transportation bill because current one, the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, expires at the end of fiscal year 2026.

A key component of any surface transportation bill is reauthorization of the Highway Trust Fund. Established in 1956 as part of the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act, the fund is the main conduit for collecting and distributing money for major U.S. highway and mass transit projects. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the money comes from an 18.4-cent per gallon tax on gasoline and a 24.4-cent per gallon tax on diesel fuel, with other fees on truck users making up most of the rest. These tax rates have not increased since 1993. View the full article: NCSL.org