In a recent letter on this page (“EV charging stations a private-sector issue,” April 27, Page A10), Norman Baker argues that electric-vehicle owners should pay a greater share of highway costs, because they currently pay no fuel tax.
As an EV owner, I agree with Mr. Baker. The problem is that current fuel taxes plus tolls add up to about half of all highway spending, for reasons having little to do with EVs. The federal gas tax is 18.4 cents a gallon, the same as it was in 1993. Our state adds another 30 cents per gallon. That means half our miles traveled are paid from general funds, so folks who don’t drive are paying for those of us who do.
A fairer approach is being tried in Oregon and Utah, where motorists are taxed on miles driven, rather than at the gas pump. This ensures that everyone pays their share, and it applies to all vehicles, regardless of fuel source. As the country moves away from fossil fuels, we need to be looking at more innovative and equitable highway funding.
Daniel Lyons
Kennebunk
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