Pacific Northwest - A good idea on the surface, but...

I heard about this on the news this morning and found the actual article (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/350336_carbon07.html) in the P-I. While this sounds like a good idea on the surface, it would actually end up penalizing those of us who own inefficient vehicles for valid reasons, but leave them at home most of the time and take alternative transportation.


The tax would replace slumping revenue collected through the state's gas tax. Rising fuel costs have lured drivers from their cars while the increased popularity of gas-efficient vehicles has cut back on the number of trips drivers make to the pumps.

This is the real reason the bill is being proposed. As far as I can tell, you would pay the tax on your vehicle irrespective of the amount you actually drove it.

And I thought getting people to lower their emissions and/or promote alternative forms of transportation were stated goals of the city government. Now we see that, as usual, it's all about money.

And you folks over there wonder why we in Eastern Washington think the PS Basin is full of idiots for putting Dems in charge of things :rolleyes:

Hmm.......I kinda have mixed feelings on the whole thing. But my first reaction was "what do I care". I haven't driven my car (1962 Ford Falcon Wagon) for a year. It has permenent registration (I never have to buy tabs again, ever) and classic car insurance that costs $125 a year. Oh ya..And it's waiting for a Turbo Diesel transplant for running the ol' bio-D.
Gas is so heavily subsidized anyways. People are living in a dream world paying ONLY $3 a gallon. It could be $6 a gallon and still not be a realistic price for what we actually pay for the crap through taxes.... giving the oil industry subsidies and the umpteen kazillion dollars a month we spend on an agressive attempt at securing future sources of petroleum.
I say pass it. I am not paying into the system as it is and wont until they make it mandatory. And the bit about hitting the poor the hardest? Maybe they (the poor) should wake up too. I hate to preach to the choir but........My move to an area that was close to work and any public services needed may have cost more in rent but I don't "have" to drive anymore. That allowed me to get rid of the commuter car and save on gas, insurance, upkeep, etc..... Thats a $450 min. a month raise instantly. And I owned that car. Whats a car payment these days? Its the poor that I wish it would hit the most. Face it. If they cant afford $60, $130 or even $500 a year more in taxes do you think they are paying for insurance? How about cars that actually pass emisions or get better than 35mpg. Think they are driving or buying those? I dont think so..........
Do it. Tax the living hell out of me if it will get one more 16 year old dip#^*> off of the road who's parents don't want to pay extra. Or one more person without insurance or a rickety unsafe P.O.S. or a gas guzzlin' rolling environmental disaster/guided missle off of the streets..........Do it!
So the guy who drives a Prius pays $60 and the Hummer H3 driver pays $180 a year? That sounds like they are promoting better economy and emissions to me...Maybe the Hummer dude will say "Screw that!" and buy a Prius...That's cool. I'd rather share the road with a Prius driver anyday.
And I really like the last part about:
"Charging road tolls, increasing parking costs and basing auto insurance rates on miles driven."

"Requiring that vehicle fuel sold in the state releases lower levels of carbon dioxide."

"Making railroad transportation more efficient."

If you dont drive much anyways who cares? You're not gonna pay tolls, parking or extra insurance (based on this system you would pay WAY less). Your car will last forever just sitting there so you'll never have to buy again. And your the guy who would most likely use mass transit if it was safe, fast, cheap and went where you wanted when you wanted it. Hell........the Sounder is even fun!
Just my 2 cents

Sorry for the rant........
Kelly D

P.S. I'm poor.... but I was destitute because of cars before waking up. Thanks Bike Forums! Now I am just poor!

the legislature has wanted to get around the "$30 tabs" for years now, and the voters keep slapping them down.

I'm just tired of being punished for conservation. People use less gas? Oh we have to find a way to replace the lost revenue!!! Higher taxes!!! People use less water? Woops, time to raise your water bill!!! Of course we have to charge you to recycle. Are you nuts?

Personally, I'm voting for any and all anti-tax initiative until the government stops growing by three times the rate of inflation every four years or so.

I believe this needs to be moved to the P&R forum