Washington May Get Greenhouse Gas Excise Tax

Green Car Congress notes a bill that is being presented in Washington (the state) that, if passed, would set a passenger vehicle greenhouse gas excise tax.

Proposed Passenger Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Excise Taxes
Fuel economy rating	Tax
≤ 10 mpg	$240
11 mpg	$220
12 mpg	$200
13-14 mpg	$180
15-16 mpg	$160
17-18 mpg	$140
19-21 mpg	$120
22-26 mpg	$100
27-34 mpg	$80
35-48 mpg	$60
49+ mpg	$40

Taxes Based on Engine Displacement
Displacement (L)	Tax
4.0L or more	$240
3.0L to <>	$180
1.5L to <>	$200
13-14 mpg	$120
<>	$80

It's one of the first proposals of its kind, but it won't be the last. Like a gas tax, the idea is to pass payment off to those who are producing the most greenhouse gases. But then, why not just have a gas tax?

Proceeds of this tax would be used for the design, construction, and operations of transportation facilities and services that provide alternatives to the use of single-occupant vehicles and for programs that encourage the use of these facilities and services. Allowable uses of these revenues would include—but would not be limited to—transit, high-capacity transportation, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and transportation demand management programs.

Senate Bill 6923