MA: Environmental Responsibility Tax (Statute)

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

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Sponsor: Inks.LWC

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

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.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

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.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

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.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

Bump so I don't forget this

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

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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.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

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.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

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

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

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.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

I'm going to do both of these amendments at the same time.

Voting is now open on the following amendment.  Members will vote AYE, NAY, or ABSTAIN.  This will be a 24-hour vote.

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Voting is now open on the following amendment.  Members will vote AYE, NAY, or ABSTAIN.  This will be a 24-hour vote.

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[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

NAY

AYE

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

I'll hold this open 12 more hours to allow 20RP12 to properly change his vote.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

Voting is now closed.

On the first amendment, the AYEs are 0, and the NAYs are 5.  The NAYs have it, and the amedment is not adopted.

On the second amendment, the AYEs are 5, and the NAYs are 0.  The AYEs have it, and the amendment is adopted.  The bill now reads as follows:

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[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

This will now be taken to a final vote.  Members will vote AYE, NAY, or ABSTAIN.  This will be a 48-hour vote.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

Woops!  I missed that.  Thank you.  Vote closed.  Debate is now open.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

OK, voting is now open on this version of the bill.  Members will vote AYE, NAY, or ABSTAIN.  This will be a 48-hour vote.

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[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

AYE

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

Voting is now closed. The AYEs are 4, and the NAYs are 0, with 1 not voting.  The AYEs have it, and the bill is passed.  The bill is now passed onto the Governor for his signature or veto.