Nothing Says “Happy Birthday, America” Like a Higher Gas Tax?
As Americans get ready to travel to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, drivers in five states are facing something far less celebratory: increased gasoline taxes.
Starting July 1, California, Washington, Maryland, Virginia, and Mississippi are raising their state gas taxes, adding another expense for families. Instead of making it easier for Americans to celebrate Independence Day, these states are making it more costly to fill up the tank.
“America’s 250th birthday should be a celebration of freedom, not another excuse for politicians to raid the family road-trip budget in a way that would make King George III proud,” said Daniel Turner, Founder and Executive Director of Power The Future. “While American energy is delivering relief, these states are making it more expensive to drive to work or to enjoy summer vacation. Gavin Newsom and the other governors will blame oil companies, world events or anyone else, but the bill is coming from their own tax-and-spend agenda. American energy never fails, but green policies and government gluttony always find another gallon to tax.”
States raising gas taxes on July 1 include:
California: Gasoline excise tax rises from 61.2 cents to 63.4 cents per gallon.
Washington: Motor vehicle fuel tax rises from 55.4 cents to 56.5 cents per gallon.
Maryland: Combined gasoline tax rate rises from 46.0 cents to 46.6 cents per gallon.
Virginia: Gasoline fuels tax rises from 31.7 cents to 32.6 cents per gallon.
Mississippi: Gasoline tax rises from 21 cents to 24 cents per gallon.
Note: Illinois had been scheduled for a July 1 increase, but the state paused its automatic inflation adjustment, keeping the rate unchanged through December 31, 2026.
As millions of Americans head out to celebrate our nation’s birthday, they’ll be reminded that while American energy continues to deliver, government taxes can still slow down affordable travel.
June 30, 2026