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Md. considers surcharge on mammoth SUVs ($750)
Bakersfield Californian ^ | 2/15/05 | AP

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.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Crime/Corruption; Government; Politics/Elections; US: Maryland
KEYWORDS: considers; environment; mammoth; maryland; surcharge; suvs; taxes; transportation
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To: trumandogz
If they could produce data that show that these vehicles tear-up roads worse than lighter vehicles than the tax may not be a bad idea.

These things probably get 1/2 the gas mileage and therefore pay twice the gas tax already. This is just another mindless tax.

21 posted on 02/16/2005 7:36:08 AM PST by staytrue
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To: NormsRevenge
Conveniently, no surcharge is being proposed for 18 wheelers. Liberals are seeking to punish average folks for driving an SUV. I hope Governor Bob Ehrlich vetoes this nutty proposal, if doesn't first die a merciful death in the Maryland State Legislature. Oh and when SUVs are outlawed, only outlaws will drive SUVs.

Denny Crane: "There are two places to find the truth. First God and then Fox News."

22 posted on 02/16/2005 7:41:26 AM PST by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives On In My Heart Forever)
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To: NormsRevenge

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.


23 posted on 02/16/2005 7:45:27 AM PST by A Ruckus of Dogs
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To: scottybk
My wife wants to use it as a grocery-getter. I asked her if she'd prefer a Hummer, and she slapped me.

I do wonder why some people want to cart their families around in an H2. What a monster.

24 posted on 02/16/2005 7:47:37 AM PST by A Ruckus of Dogs
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To: NormsRevenge

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.


25 posted on 02/16/2005 8:09:48 AM PST by Bulwark
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To: goldstategop
Conveniently, no surcharge is being proposed for 18 wheelers. Liberals are seeking to punish average folks for driving an SUV

Hey Moe.... you can't just go to the DMV and register an 18 wheeler. They do cost a small fortune to register and license in a state. They're already hitting them up. May as well charge the heavy SUV owners more, rather than use everyone's tax dollars to pay for the damage caused by the minority of those heavy SUV driving soccer moms.
26 posted on 02/16/2005 8:11:29 AM PST by Bulwark
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To: Beelzebubba
not to mention all those environmentally-identical full-size pickup trucks.

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.

27 posted on 02/16/2005 8:15:39 AM PST by Lady Heron
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To: staytrue

The Excursion has been killed by Ford. The Expedition continues. Also, at least for the 2003 model, the curb weight is 5900 lbs.


28 posted on 02/16/2005 8:18:27 AM PST by Truth29
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To: monkapotamus; Truth29

Ok thanks for the info, I got the two confused.


29 posted on 02/16/2005 10:09:14 AM PST by staytrue
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To: monkapotamus
hotcakes.

it's hotscakes, not hotcakes.(from Green Acres)

30 posted on 02/16/2005 8:38:53 PM PST by timestax
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To: NormsRevenge

31 posted on 02/16/2005 8:42:40 PM PST by Liberal Classic (No better friend, no worse enemy. Semper Fi.)
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To: pocat

ping


32 posted on 02/16/2005 9:04:13 PM PST by timestax
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To: Liberal Classic

BTTT


33 posted on 02/18/2005 6:40:49 AM PST by timestax
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To: timestax

bump


34 posted on 02/19/2005 11:20:30 PM PST by timestax
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To: timestax

bttt


35 posted on 02/20/2005 7:11:59 PM PST by timestax
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To: NormsRevenge; Malsua; Salamander

"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.


36 posted on 02/20/2005 7:31:41 PM PST by Major_Risktaker (fringe of the fringe)
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