Federal Fuels User Fee Needed, Chamber of Commerce Chief Says
U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue called for a federal fuels user fee to help fund America’s desperate need for infrastructure improvements.
Donohue, a former president and CEO of American Trucking Associations, made the remarks in his annual State of American Business address in Washington on Jan. 14.
Donohue acknowledged that an increase to the gas tax, not touched in the past 20 years, is a tough sell.
VIDEO: Watch Donohue's annual address
“But isn’t this a pretty good time to try?” he said. “Since last summer, the average price of gas has dropped $1.45. Isn’t it reasonable to consider investing a dime or two of those savings back into our roads, bridges and highways to put Americans to work, clean the air, grow our economy and save thousands of lives?”
Donohue said the chamber will make a strong appeal to Congress, the White House and the public this year to fund a long-term highway bill and mass transit bill.
In a press conference afterward, Donohue stressed that the country is on the brink of a road crisis.
“What's needed here is the realization that there are a lot of holes in the road, a lot of bridges in this country that don't work, and pretty soon we will have a crisis," he said. "And we need a way to pay for this, because we're going to do it. My recommendation to the leadership is that this is a hell of a lot simpler than a lot of other things you are talking about.”
Donohue said the state of American business is improving, and the chamber expects the economy to grow at a 3-3½% rate at least through the middle of the year.
Donohue served as ATA president and CEO for 13 years, starting in 1984. He became president of the Chamber of Commerce in 1997.
Following his address, Donohue conducted a press conference and video is below.
