AutoNation exec lobbies for higher U.S. gas tax

Mike Jackson, chairman and CEO of the largest chain of car dealerships in the U.S., is actively campaigning for a federal gas tax increase, to encourage conservation and a shift to more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Jackson (pictured at right) wants the current tax of 18.4 cents a gallon to be increased "on the order of 10 cents a year," as reported by the Detroit Free Press. His objective is to fundamentally influence consumer behavior and market demand. He also proposes an energy-tax credit to soften the blow for lower-income groups.

Jackson feels that U.S. gas prices need to approach $6 a gallon (which would put the U.S. in line with gas prices in many other countries) to generate a significant market shift.