And now for some good news… I think?
There’s been a lot of gloom and doom in the news lately as far as the automotive industry goes. (Like this article, this one, or this one.. just to list a few) But has anyone noticed how fast gas has fallen recently? It’s like I just blinked and all the sudden it’s $2.05 a gallon. (Saw that price this morning on my way to work and almost didn’t believe it)
Remember when it felt like this?
So, what now? Some are saying it’s time to instate a gas tax, to keep demand low and prices from climbing again, as well as collect money for much-needed government projects. Others argue, claiming that a gas tax would be just another blow to the already struggling poor and middle class.
Me? I’ll keep driving the same amount, and I will thoroughly enjoy every stop at the gas station…. if it means only spending 20 bucks.
But I do wonder… with all the effort auto companies have been expending lately to promote their “green” factor (mainly high MPG), will this change anything?
November 24th, 2008 at 8:40 am
According to the CNN article you reference, adding a gas tax would, supposedly, cut gas consumption, create revenue for maintaining and rebuilding roads, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Following their line of logic, adding the gas tax would increase the price of gas, thereby forcing consumers to drive less which in turn would reduce demand and decrease the price of gas. I’m sorry if I find fault with this last conclusion. We all know that gas is going to rise again at the first sign of any trouble with gasoline production or higher demand in other countries. Just because the price of gas has dropped right now doesn’t mean it isn’t going to go back up again. And when it does, with a gas tax the price will certainly go over $5 per gallon. That will certainly cut demand because no one will be able to afford to put the gas in their tanks, including the trucking industry who supplies our food.
Reading further along the article, it states that others do not feel that the gas tax is the way to go. Create more alternative fuel choices, including hybrids and electric cars, thereby reducing the demand for gasoline. I agree with the cnn author, that a gas tax would be highly unpopular and anyone who passes it would no doubt be kicked out of office.
I was also recently surprised by the price of gas. Unfortunately my local stations hare still priced higher than yours as our state has one of the highest gas prices in the nation. This is due to our local gas taxes, which amount to over 30ยข per gallon, most of which goes to maintaining our roads. So I sure hope this gas tax doesn’t go through.