Readers Write: Electric vehicles, solar power on school roofs With EV push, rethink gas tax. May 14, 2021 6:00pm Text size Copy shortlink:
Democrats are correct that the vehicle industry must and will switch from gas-powered to electric-powered vehicles. But Republicans are also correct that electric vehicles do not pay gasoline taxes, which support our roadways and ground transportation infrastructure. The clear solution is that the gasoline tax needs to be dropped and replaced with some other type of use tax that would apply to all vehicles.
At first glance, one could consider a tax on all vehicle registrations, but that would not take into account the fact that some vehicle owners drive much more than others. It occurs to me that one solution would be a tax on tires, which all vehicles use. The tax would be best based on the cost of the tire, since more expensive tires generally last longer than cheaper tires.
Statewide View: Open minds needed in St. Paul, not closed parks
From the column: Protecting Minnesota’s environment is an area filled with opportunities to forge bipartisan solutions that build our economy, make our communities healthier, and protect the unique Minnesota outdoor experiences.
Written By:
Paul Austin | ×
An electric car charging station. (Forum News Service file photo)
In what are supposed to be the final days of our state’s legislative session, it’s clear that ultimatums aren’t the path to an on-time budget resolution. Threats from Senate Republicans to close state parks and defund environmental agencies unless Gov. Tim Walz’s administration abandons its plan to reduce harmful auto emissions are clearly not what Minnesotans want. With the need to recover from a bruising recession, and increased use of our parks because of the pandemic, this is no time for such games.
Reader s View: Don’t play politics with clean-car regulations
Particularly strident are threats by senators on the environment conference committee to refuse to move forward Department of Natural Resources and Pollution Control Agency budgets if new clean-car regulations aren’t delayed or stopped.
Written By:
Jay Lieberman, Minneapolis | 8:00 am, May 14, 2021 ×
The Minnesota legislative session is about to end, so the period of threats and warnings that precedes final dealmaking is now in full swing. Particularly strident are threats by senators on the environment conference committee to refuse to move forward Department of Natural Resources and Pollution Control Agency budgets if new clean-car regulations aren’t delayed or stopped.