Posts tagged as:

Hummer

Orders For U.S. Manufactured Goods Decline By Largest Margin In Six Years

Massachusetts has always been a little – we’ll call it different – when it comes to politics. And in some cases, it’s paid off. It’s true that you can drive through the state without being assaulted by billboard after billboard. And the state is, relatively speaking, free of litter and there’s very little in the way of sprawl. Compared to its neighboring states, Massachusetts is downright environmentally friendly. It may be about to go even greener… but going green has a price.

Massachusetts Governor Devan Patrick is considering a so called “Hummer Tax” for residents of the Commonwealth. The tax would mean that those who drive more fuel efficient vehicles would pay less in taxes, clearly providing an incentive to favor those vehicles over larger SUVs. If the controversial measure passes, it would be the first such tax in the nation.

Opponents of the bill say that it is an unfair penalty for a lifestyle choice: driving a bigger car. Proponents of the bill say that the choice is yours to make, but you need to pay for it.

Governor Patrick has also proposed a new gas tax, which would be a 19 cent bump. The tax, in conjunction with the revenue from the “Hummer Tax” would allow the state to overhaul their current transportation system, which proponent claim is in need of a $19 million facelift.

There’s no word yet on whether the bill has public support in the Commonwealth. Vocal opposition has so far only come from – not surprisingly – those who sell large SUVs. But then, the bill is still in the early stages.

Would you be in support of such a bill in your home state?

{ 10 comments }

Because it’s about to become a whole lot more expensive. Maybe.

The House passed a new energy bill today by a vote of 221-189 to encourage development of alternative fuel sources. Also on today, the House approved, 241-172, a bill geared towards expanding use of biofuels, wind power and other renewable energy sources.

While some Congressional officials, like Rep. Tom Udall of New Mexico, lauded the bill as saving money for consumers, many bemoaned what they saw to be corporate-unfriendly provisions. “There’s a war going on against energy from fossil fuels,” said Rep. Ralph Hall, R-Texas. “I can’t understand the pure venom felt against the oil and gas industry.” Several key Republicans predicted a Bush administration veto.

And why might a veto actually happen? The bill would 2004 tax breaks given to oil companies including those to “help domestic manufacturers compete against foreign companies” just before those same domestic manufacturers saw record breaking profits for several years in a row.

The bill would also end a tax break meant to assist small business owners in purchasing work vehicles, but what came to be viewed as the “Hummer tax loophole” because the language allowed folks to essentially get tax breaks for buying giant SUVs.

Nonetheless, it didn’t go all Democratic green. Compromises were made – well, if by compromises I mean, ignoring the elephant in the room. Congress avoided what promised to be an ugly fight to make cars more efficient by not bringing the issue to the table at all.

The House promises more energy efficient (?) bills to come.

{ 0 comments }