That's how I'd do it, if the need is that urgent. I'd also tariff all oil from foreign sources. And I'd use the money to bulldoze every frickin' Saudi-funded madrassa in this country and help other countries do the same.
(Because, with taxes, you see, people still have a choice as to what to buy or use. The taxes simply render some choices less palatable than before.)
A $4 tax per gallon sounds like a great solution. It sure has helped Europeans with their transportation needs.
You are replacing one bad idea (CAFE standards) with an even worse idea. A tax increase will force people to drive less, increase the costs of goods and services, and provide more revenue for rat politicians to spend on their Utopian dreams. A tax increase will not increase our energy supplies or increase energy efficiency. Here is my suggestion: allow private industry to develop our energy supplies, refinery capacity, and distribution capacity along with petroleum substitutes that the market will accept. In 10 years, I predict that the problem would be solved.