Taxing Hybrids Just Like SUVs

For those Oregon drivers who did their part to save Mother Gaia by purchasing and driving a hybrid or electric car, don't think the state is going to reward your dedication to saving the planet. They're working on ways to make sure you pay the same taxes as the SUV drivers:

A year ago, the Oregon Department of Transportation announced it had demonstrated that a new way to pay for roads — via a mileage tax and satellite technology — could work.

Now Gov. Ted Kulongoski says he’d like the legislature to take the next step.

As part of a transportation-related bill he has filed for the 2009 legislative session, the governor says he plans to recommend “a path to transition away from the gas tax as the central funding source for transportation.”

What that means is explained on the governor’s website:

“As Oregonians drive less and demand more fuel-efficient vehicles, it is increasingly important that the state find a new way, other than the gas tax, to finance our transportation system.”

According to the policies he has outlined online, Kulongoski proposes to continue the work of the special task force that came up with and tested the idea of a mileage tax to replace the gas tax.

The governor wants the task force “to partner with auto manufacturers to refine technology that would enable Oregonians to pay for the transportation system based on how many miles they drive.”

The online outline adds: “The governor is committed to ensuring that rural Oregon is not adversely affected and that privacy concerns are addressed.”

You probably thought you would save on gas taxes by purchasing less gas to run your vehicle, but once the new plan goes into effect it won't matter what you're driving.

That's gonna make it a little harder to recoup the $3,000 over sticker you paid for your Prius.