New methods of taxing fuel efficient cars

[mightiestmouse]

So I'm originally from Oregon and I try to keep up with some of the laws that go into effect of the state as my family still lives there. Oregon is very similar to Colorado in the sense that Portland (D) / Eugene (D) tend to dominate state legislature while the rest of the state (R) has to deal with it.

Stumbled across this new law that has recently gone into effect called "OreGo" that taxes per mile driven of cars. Car is outfitted with a device that will essentially be another odometer, track the miles driven, and have you pay a tax of 1.5 cents per mile - you thought buying a fuel efficient car would save you money. Now, people that are opting into this program (currently not required?) will be exempt from government gas taxes.

The way I see this, is the government requires that cars become more fuel efficient, manufacturers comply with new MPG fleet laws, gas consumption decreases (along with taxes collected), government gets pissy as road funds decrease, and institute a new tax. On the other hand, if you drive something that gets 10MPG it would actually save you money to be apart of this program. Once fully implemented I don't think you would be given a choice though (knowing the government doesn't want to collect less tax)

The only reason I bring this up is that I see Colorado potentially implementing something to get the highway fund back up to speed as we all know the road conditions here are... poor to say the least. Rather than make sure the funds already allocated are used properly and are going towards road repair, lets just implement a new tax

http://www.oregon.gov/odot/hwy/rufpp/pages/index.aspx
http://www.myorego.org/
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/RUFPP...%282013%29.pdf

Maybe I'm not seeing the whole picture here... open for discussion.

[def90]

Well.. gas taxes and licensing taxes/fees are supposed to fund road projects.. I have no problem with taxing by the mile and maybe tonnage per mile as those that use the roads the most should foot the bill. If they change any of this everyone should be taxed the same though, there shouldn't be different categories that can be opted into or out of based on what you are driving.

[milwaukeeshaker]

I DO have a problem with it! WTF!!!!! Didn't they just about 4 yrs ago do a sneak around Tabor and raise the license plate "fees" to cover the bridges, and roads in this socialist utopia of ours? So where is all this money going? I just got my license Tag card yesterday for a 1977 pickup. $102 for an FN 38 year old pickup truck!! Give me a break, these jag offs need to stop blowing the money on other pet socialist projects, and apply the stolen loot to the roads and bridges as advertised. These "public servants" are always creative when it comes to stealing more of our money.

[theGinsue]

Well.. gas taxes and licensing taxes/fees are supposed to fund road projects.. I have no problem with taxing by the mile and maybe tonnage per mile as those that use the roads the most should foot the bill. If they change any of this everyone should be taxed the same though, there shouldn't be different categories that can be opted into or out of based on what you are driving.

Bicyclists riding on public roadways going to start paying their "fair share" then too? They use the roads, they should pay for every mile of usage as well. After all, fair is fair; right?!

I'm absolutely against this sort of taxation system. For now, this just tracks how many miles you drove. This alone can create an invasion of privacy and can give projected insight into your activities and travel habits. Additionally, the tax is "just" $0.015/mile right now. When was the last time you actually saw any .gov entity remain satisfied with an existing taxation level? Want to control the people? Controlling peoples travel controls the people. Increase the amount of taxation/mile to a ridiculous amount and you've achieved your goal of control.

Just my $0.015/mile thoughts.

I DO have a problem with it! WTF!!!!! Didn't they just about 4 yrs ago do a sneak around Tabor and raise the license plate "fees" to cover the bridges, and roads in this socialist utopia of ours? So where is all this money going? I just got my license Tag card yesterday for a 1977 pickup. $102 for an FN 38 year old pickup truck!! Give me a break, these jag offs need to stop blowing the money on other pet socialist projects, and apply the stolen loot to the roads and bridges as advertised. These "public servants" are always creative when it comes to stealing more of our money.

I couldn't agree more or have said it any better.

[Irving]

Will the rate at which you are reimbursed for mileage per employment be adjusted to compensate?

[theGinsue]

Will the rate at which you are reimbursed for mileage per employment be adjusted to compensate?

From what I've seen from the DoD and many Defense contractors, I doubt it...it's been reduced recently. If other corporations follow that trend, I doubt it would he compensated.

[68Charger]

Cool, Guess now I can justify buying another big truck rather that some tiny piece of crap tin can my family can't all fit in... Mega cab Diesel truck it is!!!

(my point is, that if you want to influence behavior, change the taxes... this will certainly discourage purchase of fuel efficient vehicles...)
I'm sure they'll just label me as a dirty, filthy Republican that should just conform...

but after Colorado raised "fees" on vehicles, I vowed to never buy another new vehicle... so their taxes are affecting my behavior.
If you think $102 is obscene for a 38 YO vehicle, try the "fees" for a new one... I just won't do it.

[Irving]

Cool, Guess now I can justify buying another big truck rather that some tiny piece of crap tin can my family can't all fit in... Mega cab Diesel truck it is!!!

(my point is, that if you want to influence behavior, change the taxes... this will certainly discourage purchase of fuel efficient vehicles...)
I'm sure they'll just label me as a dirty, filthy Republican that should just conform...

but after Colorado raised "fees" on vehicles, I vowed to never buy another new vehicle... so their taxes are affecting my behavior.
If you think $102 is obscene for a 38 YO vehicle, try the "fees" for a new one... I just won't do it.

I made the same vow after paying over $1,000 for a used Toyota Tacoma. Fortunately, I don't allocate my money toward large car payments so I can't really afford a new car anyway.

[68Charger]

I made the same vow after paying over $1,000 for a used Toyota Tacoma. Fortunately, I don't allocate my money toward large car payments so I can't really afford a new car anyway.

My wife received a lump sum payment from a life insurance policy/trust fund... we could pay cash- but we won't. We'd rather buy a 8-10 year old vehicle to reduce the taxes.
We need a newer vehicle, and I'd be tempted to buy a brand new truck, but when I hear it will be $1500-2000 for the license tax the 1st year, F that. Mission accomplished, Colorado- you've influenced my behavior by taxing it. Apparently you wanted to reduce new vehicle sales.

Part of me would rather buy a wrecked new truck, and put the drivetrain in my '97 Suburban K2500 body/frame... just to say FU to the increased taxes... but I don't have the time.

[DavieD55]

I DO have a problem with it! WTF!!!!! Didn't they just about 4 yrs ago do a sneak around Tabor and raise the license plate "fees" to cover the bridges, and roads in this socialist utopia of ours? So where is all this money going? I just got my license Tag card yesterday for a 1977 pickup. $102 for an FN 38 year old pickup truck!! Give me a break, these jag offs need to stop blowing the money on other pet socialist projects, and apply the stolen loot to the roads and bridges as advertised. These "public servants" are always creative when it comes to stealing more of our money.

http://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/titl...istration.html