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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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36

Levy on Driving Gains Speed as Gas-Tax Replacement

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(Newser) – As the US moves away from a gasoline-only auto culture, researchers and the government are investigating alternative taxes to fund road-building and maintenance, the Kansas City Star reports. The leading idea to supplant the gas tax is a by-the-mile approach endorsed by a federal commission. “If you’re committed to the system being improved then it was a no-brainer,” the chairman said.

The commission prefers a high-tech approach utilizing GPS trackers in cars to report mileage back to a central database, which would then prepare a monthly bill. With gas mileage improving and all-electric cars on the horizon, the commission wants the system in place by 2020. “The Chevrolet Volt won’t pay a penny of fuel tax,” a transportation official noted.

Graphic shows total state-by-state gas taxes per gallon.
Graphic shows total state-by-state gas taxes per gallon.   (AP Photo)
A customer pumps gas.
A customer pumps gas.   (AP Photo)
An electric car and its charger.
An electric car and its charger.   (AP Photo)
A Chevy Volt.
A Chevy Volt.   (AP Photo)
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36 comments
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scootersrockin
Jul 1, 09 3:03 PM CDT
This is Bullshit! Reply
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0
IN RESPONSE:
Newser001
Jul 1, 09 3:29 PM CDT
No, its becoming more responsible, Scooter. You can't have both ways; can't continue to get something from nothing. While I don't see legislation like this being enacted in the near future, it does show there are those willing to think about mitigating issues regarding pollution and taxation. Those that pollute, should unquestionably pay more for their contributions. It's only common sense and just one idea in a genus of ideas that are a potential, workable deterrents. I know and understand your stance on the environment. Let's say we agree to disagree. Personally, I'm not waiting around... I'm making things happen for the betterment of everyone, and that includes you!
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+4
IN RESPONSE:
jbuberel
Jul 1, 09 5:37 PM CDT
It is not BS, but a less privacy-invading method would involve reporting mileage based on odometer readings, and not GPS. GPS could at least be misused to track your exact whereabouts, and not just how many miles you drove. The idea is relatively sound - don't tax me for the gas I purchase, but instead for the miles of road wear, tear and maintenance that my car exacts from the system.
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+4
IN RESPONSE:
SPH
Jul 1, 09 6:42 PM CDT
You are young and stupid...The roads are not made and maintained for free....You do, however truly excel at racking up NEWSER points...
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0
Timinator2K
Jul 1, 09 3:06 PM CDT
“The Chevrolet Volt won’t pay a penny of fuel tax,” No, but Volt owners WILL pay though the nose via their sky high electric bills thanks to the "Cap & Trade" Scam. Sure! Put a GPS on my vehicle...to ONLY calculate my mileage...sure, Big Brother. Welcome to the newest third-world country of the USA. Reply
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