Law & Order

Massachusetts Bill to Tax "Gas Guzzlers" on the Move

In a misguided attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, legislation was approved by the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture to establish a progressive purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles based on state calculations of carbon emissions. Depending on the vehicle purchased, this surcharge could require owners to pay up to 10% of the price of the vehicle and would take effect July 1, 2013. Vehicles purchased by state residents outside the state would be similarly taxed.

Funds collected under the program would be used in part to fund rebates for the purchase of such vehicles as hybrids and electric cars. If this effort is successful, the effects on your ability to purchase the vehicle of your choice, not to mention vehicle safety, will be dramatic. The bill has now been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means for consideration.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.