Are Hybrid Owners Paying their Fair Share?
By: Robert Bumsted
Updated: February 15, 2013
Some Indiana lawmakers say the public isn't paying enough in gas taxes. A proposed plan would replace the tax with new fees on the number of miles you drive in the state.
It's a problem that has begun to affect nearly every state as the nation's average fuel mileage increases. State Senator Tom Wyss (R-Fort Wayne) estimates Indiana's transportation budget could face a deficit in the hundreds of millions in the coming years if nothing is done to change it.
"Just because you've got a hybrid or electric car doesn't mean you're not causing the road damage," says Wyss. In Indiana, as in many other states, the gasoline tax is used to pay for road improvements and infrastructure.
One solution being looked at, Wyss says, is a method that would use GPS monitors to track cars registered in the state, and charge a per-mile fee. Proponents say the method is more fair, spreading the tax burden evenly, regardless of the vehicle you own.
It's a problem that has begun to affect nearly every state as the nation's average fuel mileage increases. State Senator Tom Wyss (R-Fort Wayne) estimates Indiana's transportation budget could face a deficit in the hundreds of millions in the coming years if nothing is done to change it.
"Just because you've got a hybrid or electric car doesn't mean you're not causing the road damage," says Wyss. In Indiana, as in many other states, the gasoline tax is used to pay for road improvements and infrastructure.
One solution being looked at, Wyss says, is a method that would use GPS monitors to track cars registered in the state, and charge a per-mile fee. Proponents say the method is more fair, spreading the tax burden evenly, regardless of the vehicle you own.
Comments
More proof that our law makers have lost all sense of reality. ALL this is going to do is bring a huge civil rights lawsuit for violation of privacy. putting a GPS tracker in ANYONE'S car IS violating their privacy. The government has NO business knowing how far we drive nor where we go, and if thinks that the info will be used for anything other than mileage tracking then he IS clinically insane!
Terry S.
February 15, 2013 at 9:37 pm
