On March 5, 2009, FDD convened a group of 30 expert economists, executive branch agency heads, think tank analysts, academics and journalists to explore a federal "Net Zero" gas tax, aimed at lowering demand for gasoline and setting a floor on gasoline prices to create incentives for developing flexible fuel and electric vehicles. The group represented views from across the political spectrum and focused its discussion on a seminal piece by one of the nation’s most influential columnists, Charles Krauthammer. Dr. Krauthammer proposed an increase in the gas tax coupled with a decrease in payroll taxes. The net effect would be a full rebate to the average consumer and no net cost (or net revenue gain) to the government. 

“FDD brought together 30 senior energy policy and tax experts to debate and analyze my net-zero gas tax proposal. The conversation encouraged us all to consider a range of policy questions and political strategies critical to a successful implementation of a net-zero policy. Most importantly, the forum demonstrated the potential for cooperation on a net-zero gas tax across the political and ideological spectrum. I commend FDD’s initiative and look forward to working together with the FDD team to champion the net-zero gas tax as a necessary part of any solution to America's energy security problems.” –Charles Krauthammer

Watch the video here.