BIKE: Taxing cars by the miles

[alan_drake]

Given that oil consumption is a social, environmental & economic negative (see Greenspan comments today, projections of Artic warming last week, etc.), I think that shifting the tax burden from gasoline is a policy mistake.

*IF* the price of gasoline was ~30¢ cheaper today, even more Hummers. Escalades, etc. would be sold.  They travel the same miles as less objectionable vehicles.

OTOH, mileage based liability & casuality insurance premiums would be a great social positive.  One could own a car and use it for bulky purchases, going to places far from public transport, etc. and pay far less than the daily commuter.

Alan Drake

"If you want less of something, tax it.

If you want more of something, subsidize it".