Most economists agree that the best way to reduce the use of fossil fuels and lower the emission of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere would be to put a tax on carbon emissions. That would open a competitive market for alternative sources of energy, raise sorely needed government revenues, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. A carbon tax would even preserve the freedom to buy a big, low-mileage car, if you want one.
But, common sense does not often prevail in Washington, and tax is a dirty word, especially on gasoline.
I recently read that as a result of lower amounts of driving and more efficient cars, many states are having difficulty raising enough highway revenues from the small highway tax of 18.4₵ that is now included in each gallon of gasoline.
But, raise the tax—no way. No matter that the tax hasn’t been raised in 20 years, while the price of gasoline has doubled. No matter that the current taxes on gasoline are collected seamlessly and with little fraud.
Instead, several states have come up with elaborate schemes to monitor the miles we travel and institute a vehicle-miles traveled fee to generate revenue. Yes, big brother may soon be watching where and how far you drive. And, that high-mileage car you bought as a good environmental citizen may get the same fee that your gas-guzzling neighbor will pay.
Taxes are a necessary evil for good government. They’ve been collected since Biblical times. In their song, The Tax Man, the Beatles talked about the evils of taxing productivity, using an income tax. As an alternative, a tax on resource use such as gasoline offers a host of environmental benefits that we all can share.
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Photo, taken on June 15, 2012, courtesy of David Merrett via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Support for Earth Wise comes from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY.