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Fee for miles per gallon?

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On Monday, September 28 a committee will meet to discuss alternatives to the gas tax for electric and hybrid vehicles.

In the past, the gas tax was considered a fair way for all drivers to pay for road maintenance.  However, electric and hybrid vehicles can drive significantly further on less gas, meaning they pay less for road maintenance.

Some policymakers argue that electric and hybrid drivers should pay a fee when they register their cars that matches the lower gas tax revenue.  This fee could also cover gasoline vehicles with relatively high miles per gallon.

Richard Bailey, the Director of the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, estimates it would cost $330,000 to establish this road usage fee and raise approximately $50 million in revenue.

Supporters argue this revenue would greatly help the state pay for road maintenance, repair, and improvement.

Opponents argue that electric and hybrid vehicles provide other benefits to the state, such as cleaner air, and therefore an additional fee is unfair.

Other drivers may oppose a fee structure that includes gasoline vehicles with relatively high miles per gallon.  One proposal under consideration would charge a $55.50 annual fee for cars with 26-30 miles per gallon.

The committee must report any legislative recommendations by November 1.

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