Paying a little more in Tax to have the government take care of the problem.
It works well in dealing with welfare, social security, and healthcare. So, we should apply that same approach to Global Warming.
"One area we think makes sense is to get at what is causing the climate to change rapidly. It's all the people using vehicles."
So, instead of working to improve the forming of carpools, we are going to create a new tax so that we can have more money to run overbloated Transportation Authorities.
OK so what is the plan for that extra $2.50 per tank full?
"I think it will have to be solid like an improved Bart system. Some kind of policy that gives people an alternative to driving," says Mark Ross, Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
That is true Mark, it better be a great plan.
But there isn't a plan.
Let's review.
They had us vote for an "infrastructure" bond because of our crowded freeways. But the money is being diverted from that.
They have another 18 cents a gallon tax for transportation, but that keeps finding its way to the general fund.
We pay $12/car for a clean air act fee each year and the money is not allowed to be used for carpooling.
Riverside voters mandate a portion of money go to Rideshare Matching Services. Then that money is minimized and raided by other Trans Authorities (LA, Orange, Ventura...)
And Feebates keeps coming up at the ARB. We are going to pay a special Fee of $2500 for our SUV, and they are going to "rebate" the money based on good behavior.
Does anyone else just see this as an excuse to raise taxes?
Apparently public sentiment is soft on global warming taxes and our politicians are willing to milk the cow before she finds out how cold the hands are.
So, of course it will be different this time. It is not just about raising taxes it is about ..... alternative fuels.... and that is going to take a lot of money to pull the wool over the whole states eyes.