Posted on 02/28/2021 1:03:37 PM PST by cann
Washington state senators have teed up a mileage-based tax for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles as the first step toward changing how the state pays for road maintenance and other transportation needs. Policymakers expect gas tax revenue to decline long term. Oregon has been experimenting with a per-mile charge for years.
Right now, Washingtonians who own fully electric cars pay an extra $225 annual registration fee. A proposal by state Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle) would replace that flat fee beginning in July 2026 with a mandatory 2 cents per mile road usage charge for electric cars and plug-in hybrids.
Electric car drivers could voluntarily opt in to the pay-per-mile system a year before it becomes mandatory if they figure it would save them money.
Saldaña said it was time to move into "the future of Washington travel" and road funding as she introduced the proposal to her colleagues on the state Senate Transportation Committee on Thursday.
"We know we've had a decreasing revenue source (gas tax) for transportation and increasing need for preservation and maintenance. So, I offer this up," Saldaña said.
(Excerpt) Read more at kuow.org ...
Pennsylvania beats everyone in gas tax.
It shouldn’t be that hard to roll back the mileage on the odometer. “Wow, I better see the mechanic, that’s terrible mileage.” GPS? There’s bound to be a way— new government impositions spur automotive innovation. Now it’s a morally obligatory to evade our overlord’s directives.
In a way he’s right—but he should have to pay more insurance too. His additional time on the road meant a higher probability that he would be in an accident and a higher than average wear on the road, arguably.
I’ve always thought there should be an additional charge on the price of gasoline that would fund liability insurance for every driver. This would be assessed at the pump. Drivers who wished to carry collision insurance could procure it through the regular channels, and high risk drivers could be assessed additional charges in court, paid on say, a monthly basis.
Before anyone objects consider the advantages: It would encourage economy: larger gas guzzlers would pay more, reflecting the greater damage they’re apt to cause in a collision and in wear and tear of the road. It would equably account the higher use and risk by those who use the roads more frequently. Finally,, and most importantly, it would get rid of the havoc caused by uninsured drivers.
larger gas guzzlers would pay more, reflecting the greater damage they're apt to cause in a collision and in wear and tear of the road.
I think the loss of life in smaller vehicles is the greater damage. I have been T-boned twice in large pick ups and I am quite sure I couldn't have survived either in a small car. My granddaughter bought a tiny car she thought was just too cute. It scared the hell out of me. I bought her new tires and had a rear camera installed to help but I was so glad when she traded up to a full size.
The gas tax will continue.
Remembering when I needed a pickup truck & Ma thought I should get a Ranger. Borrowed my buddy’s and took her for a spin. She said I should buy a big F250, instead. I did. That little Ranger wasn’t any bigger inside than our old VW beetle. At least the bug had a gasoline heater, run you out in 5 minutes!
Yeah, I wouldn’t want any of mine driving one of those puddle-jumpers. But there are safe and economical cars: I have a Volvo 240 wagon we bought for a young family.
I’m working on it and hoping to get close to 30mpg. It may need a new engine (300K) but they’re cheap. I’ll never have to walk on a car lot again, and I’m okay with that.
This State is banning the sales of other than new electric and hybrid cars by 2025. At least that is the goal. By 2030, they want all trucks, buses, ferries and gas powered used cars gone....again, the goal they are shooting for.
Be glad the commies have not looked across the pond. In Eurostan they not only charge, yearly registration, more than 100% of the fuels energy value in VAT, Sales, and road taxes per liter, plus tolls and nearly every country has a Vinette as well so you have to pay it.for each and every country you travel through.
Lighten up, hoss. Be nice or I’ll move there for spite.
States started the gas tax for road construction but have since moves that money to social spending. So, now they want to create yet another tax to supposedly pay for roadways.
How about we just get rid of our governments instead??
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.