Posted on 02/15/2005 8:41:50 PM PST by NormsRevenge
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Driving a super-sized sport utility vehicle on Maryland roads would cost $750 more a year under a measure being considered by state lawmakers.
Delegate Bill Bronrott is promoting the registration renewal surcharge for owners of SUVs that weigh more than 6,000 pounds.
"This bill is ... about the largest, heaviest passenger vehicles that are the least fuel efficient and the most toxic to our air, land and water," the Democrat told a House committee hearing Tuesday.
SUVs covered by the legislation include the Hummer H2, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Lincoln Navigator and the GMC Yukon XL.
"They pose a highway safety hazard, and they disproportionately beat up our roads and bridges," said Bronrott, who acknowledged that the bill as written may not survive in the legislature.
Automobile dealers oppose an increase.
Maryland owners of vehicles over 3,700 pounds currently pay a renewal fee of $180 every two years, compared to a fee of $128 for vehicles under 3,700 pounds.
The state doesn't keep records of how many residents own SUVs weighing more than 6,000 pounds.
These things probably get 1/2 the gas mileage and therefore pay twice the gas tax already. This is just another mindless tax.
Denny Crane: "There are two places to find the truth. First God and then Fox News."
SUVs are going to go away on their own anyway. Gas prices are high and are going to get higher, now that China and India are coming online, and Americans will move to cars that are cheaper to feed.
I do wonder why some people want to cart their families around in an H2. What a monster.
They do more damage to the road, and my tax dollars have to make up for it. I see no reason why they can't pay more for their damages. After all, it costs a fortune to register a Tractor Trailer, may as well cost a bit more to register a 6,000 pound vehicle.
This is not about the environment, but only once again about soaking the more wealthy and trying to cover it with the excuse of the environment.
The Excursion has been killed by Ford. The Expedition continues. Also, at least for the 2003 model, the curb weight is 5900 lbs.
Ok thanks for the info, I got the two confused.
it's hotscakes, not hotcakes.(from Green Acres)
ping
BTTT
bump
bttt
"This bill is ... about the largest, heaviest passenger vehicles that are the least fuel efficient and the most toxic to our air, land and water," the Democrat told a House committee hearing Tuesday.
SUVs covered by the legislation include the Hummer H2, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Lincoln Navigator and the GMC Yukon XL.
"They pose a highway safety hazard, and they disproportionately beat up our roads and bridges," said Bronrott.
Yep! Those dam SUV's are highway safety hazard, least fuel efficient and the most toxic to our air, land and water.
I can't pick out in the picture below a Hummer H2, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Lincoln Navigator or the GMC Yukon XL though.
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