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A Vehicle Mileage Tax?
While going through my morning routine of reading the electric newspaper, I came across an article of interest regarding a new effort to increase revenue for the government.
I must admit this article fell perfectly inline with this page: Say What?
According to the article, “CBO: Taxing mileage a 'practical option' for revenue enhancement”, the Congressional Budget Office released their report based on taxing citizens on how many miles they drive. The CBO offers this idea as a possible option for offsetting the costs of highway maintenance since federal funds are short.
Also according to the author, “The report discussed the proposal in great detail, including the development of technology that would allow total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) to be tracked, reported and taxed, as well as the pros and cons of mandating the installation of this technology in all vehicles.”
The report from the CBO was requested by Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad. One of Conrad’s concerns is geared toward the future and Green Energy. You see Conrad is concerned that as the U.S. moves forward on more fuel efficient cars, such as hybrids and electric, there will be a reduction in the amount of tax dollars gathered at the fuel pump. Conrad asks, "Do we move to some kind of an assessment that is based on how many miles vehicles go, so that we capture revenue from those who are going to be using the roads who aren't going to be paying any gas tax, or very little, with hybrids and electric cars?"
Now, are you ready for a new tax? Are you ready to buy a new car with a tracking system which has been installed by the auto manufacturer (more cost). Are you ready to take your car into some installer to have it set for tracking?
It is known that commercial tractor trailers cause more wear on the roadways, so are they going to tax them on their fuel as well as a mileage tax? There goes the price of everything consumed in the U.S.
CBO even stated that rates may change, as well, depending on whether miles are driven during peak hours or less congested times.
Just when one thinks they have heard it all. And you hybrid and electric car owners thought you would beat the system. Think again.
