Once again our Legislature tries to come up with a solution to a problem and strikes out. I realize those who drive electric and hybrid vehicles need to pay their fair share of maintaining our roads, but the proposal for a flat registration fee is unfair to many owners of these vehicles. The “average” noted by Rep. Mike Shultz that “most cars” pay seems wrong.
Why should drivers of these vehicles be compared to a so-called average that is weighted towards pickups and SUVs when they should be compared to the same class of vehicles, which would be high-mileage, lower weight economy cars.
Doing the math that way if you drive 15,000 miles a year and compare to an economy car getting an average of 30 miles per gallon you’re talking $147 a year. Unlike Mr. Schultz’s assertion that we’re getting a deal on the $156 increase, most of us would actually be paying more than our neighbor with a Honda Civic or similar vehicle, especially if we drive fewer miles.
At a time when we should encourage increased usage of hybrid and electric vehicles, the Legislature is going to punish users. We want to pay our fair share, but please make it fair.
Roger Edwards, Millcreek
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