The tax would apply to electric vehicles, which avoid the state’s gas tax and are a growing percentage of cars on the road.
As the gas tax that most states relied on to fund transportation infrastructure becomes obsolete thanks to the rise of electric vehicles, Hawaii is the latest state to implement a road usage charge, report Sam Spangler for KHON2.
The tax, which kicks in in 2025, will charge drivers eight-tenths of a cent per mile driven or a $50 flat fee. “The DOT is promoting the road usage charge as an equitable solution for residents in less affluent communities, who they say typically drive older and less fuel-efficient vehicles. The new system would lighten their burden of paying gas taxes to maintain the state’s roads.”
Critics of the plan say the tax is taking “steps backward” in promoting emissions-free electric vehicle ownership in a state where electricity costs are already three times as high as the national average.
FULL STORY: Road use charge could come to Hawaii’s counties, replace gas tax
California Poised to Lose Up to $4 Billion in Gas Tax Revenue
States must find other ways to fund transportation projects as the transportation sector moves toward decarbonization.
Electric Driving Is the Future; Now Is the Time to Price It
EVs are great, but they’re not perfect. Let’s end their free ride.
Pennsylvania Replaces Alternative Fuels Tax With Flat EV Fee
Electric car owners will pay a flat annual fee that lawmakers say will be ‘tied to economic conditions.’
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service