Actually, many states, Washington and Oregon are two examples, are already seeing revenue shortfalls from declines in driving, more fuel efficent autos and autos that aren't fueled by petroleum.

Remember the plan in Oregon to put GPS devices on autos and charge drivers a tax based on usage; regardless of the type of fuel your vehicle used. You would pay at the "pump" after the system read your mileage.

I found an older story about it. Maybe someone can update me on what happened with this plan. I find many problems with this plan. Not only is it intrusive and complicated but people can find ways around by driving to neighboring states if they live near a border. I definitly wouldn't want the feds to implement a GPS device on my gas usage.

Washington state has thrown around ideas like tying the gas tax to the Consumer Price Index. I have to study this idea more indepth, but I like what I've read so far about this plan.

An article in a Clark County, Washington, newspaper shows how timely your discussion is djplong.

"In Washington, motorists pay 37.5 cents on each gallon of gas. The money generates the bulk of revenue needed to build and maintain state highways, and it’s a significant source of money for county road projects as well.

"Here’s the problem: Motorists require much less gas than they used to.

"Automobiles are more fuel-efficient, people are driving less and, increasingly, they are driving automobiles that aren’t powered by petroleum at all.

“ 'All of those things add up to the fact that we aren’t going to rely on the gas tax as being the mainstay of the future if we want to maintain, preserve and improve our transportation system,' said Paula Hammond, the state’s transportation secretary.

"A new report compiled for the Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee indicates that the trend could result in a $3.8 billion revenue shortfall by the year 2025 — the horizon of a 16-year financial plan adopted by the Legislature last year. A risk analysis projected the average per-capita gasoline consumption falling from 500 gallons currently to about 425 gallons in 2025.

"The report noted that in the state’s 2009 fiscal year, for the first time ever, total fuel consumption declined from the previous year. Of course, much of that decline is due to the recession and high unemployment rates."

Pennsylvania legislators are debating this as we type. Some want increases in the gas tax and vehicle registration taxes. Others say toll roads.

I don't like new or increased taxes. I would love to be able to take a look at the waste in highway funding on both the local, state and federal levels. Accountability.


Sorry to be so lengthy.

http://articles.latimes.com/2009/jan...on/na-gas-tax4

http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/f...w-on-gas-fuel/

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbc...313/-1/NEWSMAP