Once again, high gasoline prices are in the news. As of this writing, the national average gasoline price per gallon price is hovering around $3.79.

It's tempting to call the shameful taxpayer subsidy for electric cars - vehicles that are unaffordable for all but a small number of wealthy Americans - this nation's costly little secret.

SymphonyIRI reports that “57 percent of consumers are feeling increased financial strain when gas prices increase, and more than four in ten say high gas prices make it difficult to meet monthly expenses,” based on polls conducted in the second quarter of 2011. Furthermore, 49 percent of consumers plan to reduce grocery spending if gas prices climb another 50 cents. What can be done?

This paper measures the incidence of a carbon tax on gasoline using current income and two measures oflifetime income to rank households.

If the nation truly wants to address the wild roller coaster of price swings, it's important to understand the factors that affect prices.

Congress is currently considering unprecedented sanctions targeting Iran's refined petroleum sector. Such legislation must take into account Iran's likely response; decreasing domestic consumption, seeking alternative international suppliers, and increasing domestic refining capacity.

This paper measures the incidence of a carbon tax on gasoline using current income and two measures of lifetime income to rank households.