Variable Gasoline Tax to Accelerate Efficiency Transformation
Less is more. Especially when it comes to taxes. However, we may need more taxes on gasoline to accelerate the transformation to sustainable energy efficiency. The variable gasoline tax could reinforce the behaviors necessary to shift this country's energy consumption. It is a bitter pill to swallow, but may be necessary. ...
... "One would be to devise a variable consumption tax in such a way that a gallon of unleaded gasoline at the pump would never go below a floor of $4 or $5 (in 2008 dollars), fluctuating to accommodate changing oil prices and other costs. " ...Via The New York Times: Gas Tax
Four dollars per gallon of gas seems to be the trigger that influenced American consumers behavior ... MSN: Keep gas above $4: "An addiction that can be broken ... "
Higher efficiency has implications on tax revenues for states. Texas has developed some scenario plans for the future. ... United States Department of Transportation: Higher Gas Efficiency: "According to a 2007 survey of motor industry experts by technology-futures forecasting firm TechCast, the consensus is that 2012 is the most likely year for hybrids to attain 30 percent of the U.S. new car market. ... "