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Having Prius may pay
Having Prius may pay
April 15, 2007
A California state legislator has proposed what is being dubbed a Robin Hood approach to fighting global warming.
Under the plan, buyers of fuel-inefficient vehicles, such as the Hummer H2 and Ford Expedition, would pay a tax of $100 to $2,500. The state would then give similar amounts to owners of fuel-efficient cars, such as the Toyota Prius and Ford Focus.
Under the proposal, the state Air Resources Board each year, starting with 2011 models, would rank new car models by the pounds of carbon dioxide and other gases they emit that trap heat in the atmosphere, according to the San Jose Mercury News. About 25% of vehicles would not qualify for payments.
The bill introduced by Assemblyman Ira Ruskin has passed one state committee and has picked up support of an influential business organization, the tech-heavy Silicon Valley Leadership Group.
Not surprisingly, California car dealers oppose the measure, saying it unfairly targets large families, farmers and ranchers who drive trucks and SUVs.
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