Given last year’s record-high gasoline prices and the still-fluctuating price at the pump, most Americans aren’t interested in the government tacking on any more, even in the name of fuel efficiency.

Just 10% of adults think the federal government should increase the tax on gasoline by a large amount as a way of encouraging people to buy more fuel-efficient cars, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

Eighty-one percent (81%) oppose a large tax hike for that purpose, and eight percent (8%) are undecided.

These sentiments remain largely unchanged from nearly two years when 86% said they opposed the idea of raising gas taxes by 50 cents a gallon as a result of congressional legislation that would encourage the development of more fuel-efficient cars.

In April of last year, 60% of Americans favored suspending the federal gas tax completely for the summer to offset soaring gas prices.

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Younger Americans are slightly more supportive of raising the gas tax to encourage the purchase of more fuel-efficient cars than their elders, but even among those ages 18 to 29, 79% are opposed.

Fifteen percent (15%) of men support a big tax increase on gasoline to push sales of fuel-efficient cars, compared to six percent (6%) of women.

Thirteen percent (13%) of both Democrats and adults not affiliated with either major party like the gas tax proposal versus just four percent (4%) of Republicans. Eighteen percent (18%) of government employees agree, compared to seven percent (7%) who work in the private sector.

But again in all categories, the vast majority oppose a gas tax hike as a way to push more fuel-efficient cars.

Americans give mixed reviews to the “Cash for Clunkers” plan now moving through Congress that would give car owners up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a new, more fuel-efficient car if they turn in their old vehicle.

Only 22% of Americans are willing to spend more to buy an energy-efficient hybrid car to help the environment. Even last October, after record high prices at the pump, just 37% said they were more likely to buy a hybrid car than they were a year earlier.

Americans took a dim view of another car-focused tax when it was proposed earlier this year. Seventy-three percent (73%) rejected the idea of taxing drivers based on how many miles they drive to help fund the building and repair of roads and bridges. Only 18% supported a mileage tax.

The findings are not surprising since Americans consistently favor tax cuts over tax hikes and additional government spending. Fifty-one percent (51%) of Americans, for example, support the idea of tax credits for individuals who purchase alternative fuel cars.

Most U.S. voters believe they already pay more than their fair share of taxes.

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