HUMMER TAX: Massachusetts Considers Higher Fees For Gas Guzzlers

Another day, another financial incentive for people to go green -- Massachusetts is considering requiring owners of inefficient vehicles to pay more for registration in what is being called a Hummer Tax:

Governor Deval Patrick said today he is looking at a Hummer tax -- adding higher registration fees for gas-guzzling cars and offering discounts for those that do less harm to the environment. One industry opponent said it would be the first such fee in the nation on the state level.

The suggestion comes as Patrick prepares to unveil a fuller version of his much-awaited transportation plan on Friday. While he would not release details today, Patrick said at a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce appearance that any gas tax increase would be coupled with a freeze on toll rates.

Environmentalists applauded the registration proposal, saying it would encourage people to buy smaller and more fuel-efficient cars, which are increasingly seen as key to curbing global warming. Similar proposals have been proposed in Massachusetts since at least 2001, but without the prominent backing of a sitting governor.

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Comments

[alvdh1]

Didn't they pass a hummer tax in Nevada? Initially it was paid lip service in the legislature until they realized what the outcome would be.

[CR46]

I hope you are all thinking of the increase in food costs for the rest of you. I currently have 2 dually pickup trucks, for use on a ranch and to haul some of our cattle to livestock sales. If people like me have more expenses it will be passed on.

[RuthlessDictator]

It wouldn't apply to working vehicles and you know that.

[danusgram]

I assume all here still have their homes and have not lost them to foreclosure. I also assume no one here has been forced to file bankruptcy due to losing their jobs in this economy.

People who own vehicles like that currently will pay even more. Bad credit will prevent them from buying a car. You see that is what happens when you loose your home and job. It will burden people even more to be penalty taxed

[SecretSister]

I guess this is sort of like a carbon tax since the vehicle isn't so environmentally friendly.

[bluejay10027]

Get ready for your electric and heating bills to triple with this stupid administration.

[NWBrunette]

Get ready for gas prices to skyrocket way more than that once the economy ticks back up.

[BobDobbs757]

Too bad they can't have a system at the gas pump to charge more the less mpg you get out of your vehicle.

[NWBrunette]

Good idea. And slap a big tax on those silly yahoos with the gas-powered blowers used to blow leaves all over the neighborhood instead of using sensible rakes.

[dutt]

Hey now, lets be fair. Those gas-powered blowers aren't just for leaves, they're used to blow dirt all over the place and put dust in the air too. And they're not just used by silly yahoos; there's a lot of idiots that also use them.

[Fein]

Hey Ahrnold, here's a way to get California out of debt!

[openhand]

GM killed their electric car and invested in the hummer, bummer, and post rationalize saying the problem is the cost of labor. Priceless.

SUV = WMD

[imsosure]

Wow, coal is getting nervous. Jeez, wonder what they'll do if they can't continue to rape the land? This is really a problem, just think the pristine areas of the country that haven't yet been defaced may still have a chance, I like that idea.

[MountPanic]

Taxing Hummers? This is an outrage! Government should be kept out of the bedroom!

EDIT

Oh, those a-hole mobiles? That's different. Tax those behemoths out of existence.

[dutchman]

Once again Massachusetts is there to lead the nation forward. Let's hope congestion pricing is also announced.

[lacrossedadof2]

You libs are out of your minds. Because you dont drive at all and I am away with my kids every weekend at games and tournaments or becuase we are camping your going to charge me more?
Because I want a bigger vehicle because I am over 6 ft and my kids and wife are tall and because I tow, your going to charge me more?
On top of this you want to take more taxes from me to pay for others who think they should get free health care and their mortgage taken care of. Enough!!!!

[dutchman]

We expect you to pay for what you use. Just as a fat person should be made to pay for two seats if they can't fit into one, so should you pay for your activity's impact on our planet.

[lacrossedadof2]

I pay for what I use when I pay gas tax. Enough with the taxes.

[NWBrunette]

Whine, whine, whine. If you're wealthy enough that you can afford a Hummer, 2 kids, a wife, and hang out every weekend at games, tournaments and campgrounds, towing your whatever all around, then you can feel proud that you can do a tiny little extra for your community and pay a slightly higher registration fee. Sheesh. Try a little gratitude.

[lacrossedadof2]

Gratitufe for what???? My taxes are already going to skyrocket with Barry spreading the wealth. We already pay a ton of taxes on gas as it is and I pay some of the highest property taxes in the country. Mind your own business as to what I drive, if you want to sit in some cr@ppy little car feel free. My needs are different and I need the power and the size. Btw, I dont own a Hummer, I own a suburban and my wife drives and expedition.

[BenderBot]

Run to Mexico!

[etcetc]

Dude, my hubby is 6'6", taller than you, we go camping- and we don't need a Hummer. We have a Suaru and we fare fine. Notice how he says he is going to tax people that are going to buy one. Since you're the kind of Hummer (BUMMER) lover that already has one, you're safe. Just don't buy another one, you've been warned in advance now. :) IT makes me happy, happy, happy to see Hummers get taxed. This is the best news all WEEK!

[justmeinAz]

yes, yes, and sort of.

[zola77]

tax hummers - great idea!

[MilwaukeeMike]

Aren't gas prices enough to discourage gas guzzlers. They seem to be working.

[dutchman]

If you had written your post a year ago you might have had a valid point.

[SammyD]

that's too difficult for peope in Mass to comprehend ha! Besides, their plan adds more government workers.

[ditsylilg]

Prices in MA are lower than the national average currently. I paid 1.77 the other day.

[etcetc]

If it isn't- an apparently it is not, they let's tax them more. Let's make it hurt so bad no one would want one. Just because someone has the money to buy more gas, really doesn't give them the right to burn more of it.

[lacrossedadof2]

Actually it does. If I can afford to put gas in my truck then its my right, mind your own business.