AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s proposal to add an annual fee on electric and hybrid cars has divided Democrats and Republicans.
A legislative panel voted 6-5 last week along party lines in favor of killing the bill. The LePage administration’s proposed legislation would tack on a $250 fee for electric vehicles and a $150 fee for hybrids to pay for highway maintenance.
The administration says owners of hybrids and electric vehicles pay less in gas taxes than other vehicle owners.
The bill would provide some revenue but far short of the state’s highway funding shortfall.
Democratic Rep. Andrew McLean said he opposed the bill because it was too narrow.
He has offered an alternate plan to also increase the gas tax and vehicle registration fees.
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