MA: Environmental Responsibility Tax (Statute)

[Inks.LWC Supports Chuck Hagel]

Environmental Responsibility Tax
1. The tax for gasoline shall be changed from 7 cents per gallon to 25 cents per gallon.
2. The tax for diesel fuel shall be changed from 10 cents per gallon to 20 cents per gallon.

Sponsor: Inks.LWC

[They Played The Wardrum Out Of Time]

I understand we're looking at budget shortfalls and deficits, but one of the things we should not be looking at is increases on gasoline taxes. I've voted in favour of increasing some excise taxes, but I will not vote to increase gasoline taxes. Sorry, but this is a no from me no matter what.

[Inks.LWC Supports Chuck Hagel]

This nation's reliance on gasoline will not decrease while we have tax prices that do not account for the externalities from gasoline on our society and environment.  This tax does 2 things: 1) Raises money in the short term; 2) Encourages development of alternative energy.

[They Played The Wardrum Out Of Time]

This nation's reliance on gasoline will not decrease while we have tax prices that do not account for the externalities from gasoline on our society and environment.  This tax does 2 things: 1) Raises money in the short term; 2) Encourages development of alternative energy.

In reality, it only discourages driving, which is the most vast and widely accepted means of transportation in our society and only increases the burden on citizens who use individual transport as a means of commuting. We cannot put a larger strain on families who are already suffering. I see no correlation between encouraging energy development and raising gasoline taxes. The reason is because they do not correlate.

[Senator X]

This nation's reliance on gasoline will not decrease while we have tax prices that do not account for the externalities from gasoline on our society and environment.  This tax does 2 things: 1) Raises money in the short term; 2) Encourages development of alternative energy.

Couldn't have said it better myself, Mr. Speaker.

[Inks.LWC Supports Chuck Hagel]

However, we should get the GM's ruling on this.  If it would discourage driving too much to the point that we would lose revenue, at this point in our budget, I think it is more important to get our budget balanced and then work on pushing environmental responsibility.

[Jayhawker]

I'm hesitant that this would be counterproductive to increasing revenue, as not as much money would be pumped into our regional government.

[They Played The Wardrum Out Of Time]

I'm hesitant that this would be counterproductive to increasing revenue, as not as much money would be pumped into our regional government.

Part of my point, yes.

[Inks.LWC Supports Chuck Hagel]

I'm hesitant that this would be counterproductive to increasing revenue, as not as much money would be pumped into our regional government.

Part of my point, yes.

Well that's for the GM to determine.

[Gass3268]

This nation's reliance on gasoline will not decrease while we have tax prices that do not account for the externalities from gasoline on our society and environment.  This tax does 2 things: 1) Raises money in the short term; 2) Encourages development of alternative energy.

However, we should get the GM's ruling on this.  If it would discourage driving too much to the point that we would lose revenue, at this point in our budget, I think it is more important to get our budget balanced and then work on pushing environmental responsibility.

I agree on these two points. I would probably support this legislation as is and would absolutely support it if the increase was a little smaller.

[shua]

I'm hesitant that this would be counterproductive to increasing revenue, as not as much money would be pumped into our regional government.

how so?

[Jayhawker]

I'm hesitant that this would be counterproductive to increasing revenue, as not as much money would be pumped into our regional government.

how so?

It's simple - if people are spending that much more on gas, they won't be spending as much at Mideastern businesses.

[Inks.LWC Supports Chuck Hagel]

Bump so I don't forget this

[Jayhawker]

2 things:
1. I'd still like to see an estimate from GM Shua on whether or not this bill would actually end up generating revenue in the grand scheme of things.
2. Regardless of the answer to Question 1, I still remain unlikely to support this bill - this would just provide more of a squeeze to middle-class citizens in our region, something I don't think we can afford to do right now.

[Talleyrand]

Environmental Responsibility Tax
1. The tax for gasoline shall be changed from 7 cents per gallon to 25 cents per gallon.
2. The tax for diesel fuel shall be changed from 10 cents per gallon to 20 cents per gallon.

Sponsor: Inks.LWC

I agree these increases are too much. I'd go with 17 cents per gallon for gasoline, and 15 for diesel. In order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels as a primary energy resource, it's very important for prices to be increased, but many middle class families will have trouble adjusting to a change of that magnitude at this time.

[They Played The Wardrum Out Of Time]

I'm still vehemently opposed to this.

[Inks.LWC Supports Chuck Hagel]

Environmental Responsibility Tax
1. The tax for gasoline shall be changed from 7 cents per gallon to 25 cents per gallon.
2. The tax for diesel fuel shall be changed from 10 cents per gallon to 20 cents per gallon.

Sponsor: Inks.LWC

I agree these increases are too much. I'd go with 17 cents per gallon for gasoline, and 15 for diesel. In order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels as a primary energy resource, it's very important for prices to be increased, but many middle class families will have trouble adjusting to a change of that magnitude at this time.

These numbers are slightly higher than, although are mainly in line with, current taxes in America.

[Talleyrand]

Environmental Responsibility Tax
1. The tax for gasoline shall be changed from 7 cents per gallon to 25 cents per gallon.
2. The tax for diesel fuel shall be changed from 10 cents per gallon to 20 cents per gallon.

Sponsor: Inks.LWC

I agree these increases are too much. I'd go with 17 cents per gallon for gasoline, and 15 for diesel. In order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels as a primary energy resource, it's very important for prices to be increased, but many middle class families will have trouble adjusting to a change of that magnitude at this time.

These numbers are slightly higher than, although are mainly in line with, current taxes in America.

I'm aware of that, but I still fear it'll be too drastic of a change at this time. If we can successfully pass a smaller increase now, perhaps they can be further increased and set at your proposed levels in future sessions of the assembly.

[Jayhawker]

What is the current gasoline tax in America?

To my knowledge, there is no federal gasoline tax in Atlasia, but someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I'd perhaps be okay with a slow implementation process.

[Inks.LWC Supports Chuck Hagel]

What is the current gasoline tax in America?

To my knowledge, there is no federal gasoline tax in Atlasia, but someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I'd perhaps be okay with a slow implementation process.

It varies by state.

[Talleyrand]

I'd like to amend the bill to read the following.

Environmental Responsibility Tax
1. The tax for gasoline shall be changed from 7 cents per gallon to 15 cents per gallon.
2. The tax for diesel fuel shall be changed from 10 cents per gallon to 20 cents per gallon.

[Jayhawker]

I've been doing some research:

To my knowledge, Atlasia does not have a federal gasoline tax. If we went off what RL, the federal tax would be (rounded) 18 cents for gasoline and 25 cents for diesel. On top of that, states have an added tax they impose. Combined, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan has a gasoline tax at (rounded) 60 cents. Ohio is at 46 cents. Virginia is at 38 cents.

That being said, I thank Inks for bringing this amendment up - the numbers proposed in our current budget are actually WAY lower than what they should be.

That all being accounted for, I would actually like to offer the following amendment for consideration:

Environmental Responsibility Tax
1. The tax for gasoline shall be changed from 7 cents per gallon to 35 cents per gallon.
2. The tax for diesel fuel shall be changed from 10 cents per gallon to 40 cents per gallon.

[Inks.LWC Supports Chuck Hagel]

Why is diesel more expensive?  It was less when I looked it up for American taxes.

[Senator X]

Why is diesel more expensive?  It was less when I looked it up for American taxes.

It's even worse for the environment, if I am not mistaken.

[Inks.LWC Supports Chuck Hagel]

Why is diesel more expensive?  It was less when I looked it up for American taxes.

It's even worse for the environment, if I am not mistaken.

It is.  I just didn't realize that was the reason behind it here.  OK, that's fine with me.