Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski wants his state to switch from a gas tax
to a system that taxes people for how many miles they actually drive.
He is asking the state legislature to move forward with a plan
that would replace the central funding source for the state’s
transportation initiatives, according to an Associated Press story.
The state’s Department of Transportation tested a system in 2007
that used satellite-based GPS technology in 300 vehicles to measure
mileage. Instead of paying $0.24 per gallon in gas tax at the pump, a
device read the GPS mileage and charge 1.2 cents per mile.
According to information posted online the governor wants a task
force "to partner with auto manufacturers to refine technology that
would enable Oregonians to pay for the transportation system based on
how many miles they drive."
As more electric and alternative fuel vehicles hit U.S. roadways, a
mileage-based tax system would insure that tax revenue continues to
fund transportation development.
Kulongoski’s proposal is part of a transportation bill filed for the upcoming legislative session.
New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman wrote earlier this week that a nationwide gas tax is a win-win proposition for national security and the environment.
Would you support a gas or mileage tax? Please share your comments.
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It’s not surprising that goverments are hatching new plans to raise gas taxes. The Feds are looking at hiking gas taxes 50 percent. The Feds interests are not “green” , but more aimed at recouping cash flow due to the fact people are driving less.
Increasing taxes will only increase State and Federal government’s interest in keeping these revenues flowing. Thus the bailout for auto manufacturers, and probably more incentives for oil companies to follow.
Friedman in my opinion has it all wrong. Increasing gas taxes will help to kill off an economic recover. If anything, we should be looking at ways to ease taxes at the moment.
What we really need is a realistic national energy policy. As we haven’t seen one for 8 years, wouldn’t it be better to formulate a new national energy policy – and work strategically going forward.
Increasing taxes is not a way for the economy to shift or recover. A thoughtful national Energy policy should point to a level playing field so that alternative energy gets equal treatment in comparison to fossil fuels.