http://www.usatoday.com/news/washin...- Top Stories)&utm_content=Google Feedfetcher "But its chief appeal is money. The current consumption-driven system is becoming outdated as the number of fuel-efficient cars is growing and expected to soar in the coming years. Because they travel farther on a gallon of gas, the drivers of these vehicles are, in effect, paying less than they once did, and that is limiting the government's ability to maintain its transportation system." Frankly I'm opposed to the idea. I buy vehicles that use less fuel and drive at 55 in order to save money at the pump. And that includes gas taxes. Now, the idea is to punish people who are more conscientious. I mean, I understand the roads & bridges are in terrible shape- mostly due to over the top social spending, prevailing wage laws, union graft, political kickbacks... whereby too little is left for the actual highway maintenance. But let's do something about those things FIRST. Then, after that, if we still need money, I'd support a raise in the federal gas tax. I also might add that lighter, more fuel efficient vehicles damage roads less. To me, it's another way for Congress to tell us they continue to waste our money and we will once again pay for their ineptitude. "The idea's also not sitting well with rural lawmakers who say charging motorists by the mile would, in effect, penalize their constituencies, who tend to drive longer distances than city dwellers or suburbanites." "Montanans should not be forced to bear the brunt of our debt simply because they have to drive to earn a living and feed their families," said Sen. Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat who figures to play a pivotal role in the discussion over a new highway bill because he chairs the Finance Committee."
Kitzhaber has twice tried to force this tax on Oregonians. It is anti-green and just a way to add another tax without ridding us of any current tax.
There's already state taxes on gasoline. If people don't want to pay the tax or the high price of gasoline, they'll opt for more fuel efficient methods/vehicles. The incentives are already there.
