Does Policy Knowledge Affect Public Support for Gas Tax Alternatives? A Case Study in Northern New England

Public option research finds that support for changes in motor fuels taxes or the “gas tax” is low in the United States. Prior research also finds that respondents who have less information about policy questions they are polled on are likely to provide more random and unreliable responses. We find that inaccurate and low levels of information are strongly tied to public opinions about gas tax alternatives. By addressing knowledge gaps using an informed choice questionnaire, we find support for replacing state gas taxes with either a mileage fee or a flat fee shifts substantially. Specifically, support for a mileage fee increased while support for a flat fee decreased.