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Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Taxes

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Can New York City Tax Itself Out of Traffic?

NYC’s congestion tolling has reduced congestion, raised money for the MTA, and sped up vehicles in the city. Its success has inspired proposals for congestion tolling in other major US cities, like Los Angeles and Washington, DC.

4 min read
carbon taxes in europe, 2025 data

Carbon Taxes in Europe, 2026

In recent years, several countries have taken measures to reduce carbon emissions, including instituting environmental regulations, emissions trading systems (ETSs), and carbon taxes.

5 min read
America 250: The Evolution of Excise Taxes American Independence

America’s 250th: The Evolution of Excise Taxes

British taxation on the American colonies was a major catalyst for the American Revolution, but most of the tax revolts leading up to the war were in response to one tax type: excise taxes.

4 min read
externality definition externality economics negative externalities like social costs Alcohol while how is a topic for Excise Tax Reforms federal gas tax holiday proposal for suspending the gas tax federal gas tax suspension gas tax holiday highway trust fund infrastructure funding

Federal Gas Tax Holiday? Suspending the Gas Tax Is a Mistake

In response to surging gas prices, President Trump and several lawmakers have proposed suspending the federal gas tax via a gas tax holiday. Gas tax holidays have appeal across the political aisle, but suspending the federal gas tax is a uniquely ill-suited policy for addressing rising prices.

3 min read
State and Local Tax Collections Per Capita by State, 2026 State and Local Tax Burdens by State

State and Local Tax Collections Per Capita by State, 2026

Tax collections vary widely by state, making per capita collections figures—a measure of collections per person—especially useful, as they allow comparisons across differences in tax rates and bases, economic capacities, and policy decisions that impact the size and scope of government.

5 min read
Rental Car Taxes and Fees

Renting a Car? Half Your Bill May Be Taxes and Fees

Rental cars are some of the most heavily taxed transactions in the US. Rather than levying additional taxes on rental cars by trying to export the tax burden to nonresidents, municipalities should enact principled, neutral transportation tax policy that is unlikely to discourage visitors, tourists, and other economic activity.

5 min read
gas tax holidays, suspending gas tax commentary

Gas Tax Holidays Sound Politically Tempting. Too Bad They Don’t Work.

Gas tax prices are soaring across the country, and lawmakers are naturally looking for ways to alleviate the pain at the pump. While gas tax holidays—which temporarily suspend fuel taxes to artificially lower the price of gas—are a politically welcomed intervention, taxpayers shouldn’t be so quick to celebrate.

Road Taxes and Funding by State, 2026

Road Taxes and Funding by State, 2026

The amount of revenue states raise through roadway-related revenues varies significantly across the US. Only two states raise enough revenue to fully cover their highway spending.

5 min read
Diesel and Gas Taxes in Europe, 2026, Petrol Taxes

Diesel and Gas Taxes in Europe, 2026

Fuel taxes continue to be a central policy consideration for European countries amid geopolitical conflicts, increased emphasis on environmental policy, and economic conditions experienced by average consumers.

6 min read
Big Beautiful Bill Tax Plan and Senate GOP Tax Plan: Details & Analysis of 2025 Trump Tax Cuts

One Big Beautiful Bill Act Tax Policies: Details and Analysis

Our analysis of the major tax provisions included in the OBBBA finds it will increase long-run GDP by 0.7 percent. The major tax provisions will reduce federal tax revenue by nearly $5.2 trillion between 2025 and 2034, on a conventional basis.

12 min read
European tax trends, EU tax reform

Tax Trends in European Countries

As European countries have undertaken a series of tax reforms designed for budgetary stability, policymakers should focus on consumption taxes by making them more neutral and efficient.

15 min read
2026 State Tax Changes Taking Effect January 1

State Tax Changes Taking Effect January 1, 2026

Forty-three states will ring in 2026 with notable tax changes. Eight states will see reduced individual income tax rates in the new year while four states will see reduced corporate income tax rates.

30 min read

2025 Tax Review | What OBBBA Changed, the Impact of Tariffs, and What’s Next

In this episode, we break down what the OBBBA did, walk through our projections, and zoom out to other defining fights of 2025: Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, the Supreme Court challenge over presidential tariff power, and the growing wave of property tax revolts across the states.