By increasing the gas tax we will raise revenue for the government to help reduce the deficit and possibly even the national debt. This will also reduce gasoline consumption, pollution, congestion, trade deficit, and our reliance on foreign energy supplies. By expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, we will encourage people to work, even if only low wage jobs are available because the government will subsidize the salaries of working citizens who can only earn low wages. By reducing income taxes, we encourage all people to work since they will be able to keep a larger share of their earnings.
In summary, we would be offering disincentives for activities that are harmful (burning fossil fuels) and offering incentives for activities that are beneficial (working in productive jobs).