A perpetually hot topic, in summer and other seasons, is the fluctuating cost of gasoline and diesel fuel, and the resultant impact on the nation’s economy and living habits of Americans. Some discussion centers on the amount of taxes paid at the pump, as state taxes on fuels vary widely. The highest tax on gasoline is 39.5 cents per gallon, levied in California, while Connecticut imposes an almost 55 cent tax on diesel. Nationally, the lowest tax on both is just 4 cents, the rate in Florida. Across the country, there are 118,000 places to fill your tank — about 100,000 fewer than in 1967. Over 80 percent of today’s gas stations are connected with convenience stores. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at <www.census.gov>.