if there were a new gas tax...any economists around?

[ccarter84]

We're at the mercy of the rest of the world, particularly the OPEC cartel for our oil...why not force diversification by increasingly taxing gas and setting aside the money garnered by the government to research (all types) of alternative energy.

I am floating the idea that came to me while having a bout of insomnia a few nights ago...so yea take it for what it's worth.

Increase the national sales tax on gas...by say 25%? it should be done relatively quickly, yet you make freight & air exempt so you don't send huge shockwaves up the supply chain & don't squeeze the population both ways.

any economists in the room? what would the macroeconomic consequences of this policy be?

-cc