Florida’s electric car owners weigh in on a ‘gas tax’ for EVs | Letters

28 Aug 2023

Determining an equitable gasoline levy for electric vehicles in the state of Florida

The condition of Tampa's roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks is truly lamentable, and there has been a lack of attention given to ensure their maintenance. I'm sure many of us could propose some specific issues. In the past, a gas tax was relatively fair as it corresponded to the amount of gas consumed - the more gas used, the higher the total taxes paid. Currently, it is not as simple to accurately gauge the individual usage of electric vehicles. However, implementing a "flat" tax is not completely just either. Individuals who have lengthy daily commutes will be taxed the same as someone like myself, who only drives around 4,000 miles per year on average. If we aim to tax based on usage, we need to explore alternative methods, such as reporting mileage, to ensure greater fairness.

Finding an equitable gas tax rate for electric vehicles in the state of Florida is a pertinent matter. This viewpoint, published on August 20, aims to delve into this topic.

Over the years, the national administration has gathered fuel levies that have been incorporated into the price of every unit of fuel. There are currently around 1.5 million electric cars being utilized on American streets. In essence, if you are operating a conventional vehicle with an internal combustion engine, you are contributing funds for driving on roads that are publicly serviced, while electric vehicle operators do not pay any federal taxes on gasoline. (Although electric vehicle operators in certain states may pay a yearly state charge, this is not a federal fee and it does not apply to Florida.)

With our transportation infrastructure falling apart, why does the federal government permit such an unfairness? Especially when the funds generated are vital for the maintenance of our roads and bridges. When your tire worth $300 gets destroyed by a pothole, keep in mind the revenue that could have been used to avoid such costly damage.

Electric Vehicles: Improving Our Roads

What is an equitable gas levy for electric vehicles in Florida? | Opinion Piece, August 20

I found it quite interesting to go through the editorial as well as the discussions regarding the fair taxation on electric cars for the purpose of constructing and maintaining roads. Electric vehicles have a clear upper hand compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles as they do not release as many harmful automotive fluids that can deteriorate the condition of roads and parking lots. These leaked fluids end up being drained and eventually contaminate our waterways. Additionally, electric vehicles have added benefits such as not requiring an exhaust system and being significantly quieter, thus reducing noise pollution on the roads. In our household, we have been the proud owners of Toyota Prius hybrids since 2002, briefly had a Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, and recently decided to sell our last Prius in exchange for a new Nissan ARIYA electric vehicle that offers exceptional range and safety features.

Biden once more emulates the actions of Jimmy Carter | August 21st

The editorial from the Las Vegas Review-Journal resembles the dialogue of a frightful dream experienced by Charles Foster Kane. It strongly criticizes inflation and refers to it as a concession aimed at benefiting organized labor. If we were to contemplate the position of the modern-day Review-Journal on the development of the Hoover Dam along the Arizona boundary, would they have objected to it as a weight on citizens' expenses due to inflation?

It is about time that we recognize the importance of supporting labor unions. President Joe Biden is absolutely right in asserting that unions played a vital role in building our middle class. In order to address the issues affecting our politics and the rampant economic inequality, we must prioritize the sustainability of the middle class.

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Steve Douglas, also known as the writer, hails from the city of St. Petersburg.

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It is concerning that the department appears to discourage private companies. Instead of utilizing outside sources to fulfill the needs, the department punishes initiatives that involve private providers, which hinders progress and effectiveness. In a time of rapid technological progress, it is baffling that there is a lack of incorporating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to streamline operations.

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