The expected craze over electric cars has some Democrats in Olympia concerned that should people begin buying and driving them en masse, the state will be losing some revenue that is currently collected from drivers of cars powered by internal combustion engines.
They have already experienced a loss of revenue from the economic downturn, what with people driving less and that cars are more fuel efficient today than they have ever been, but should people begin going to the electric car the state would receive no gas tax revenue from drivers who purchase electric vehicles.
To make up for the estimated loss, Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, Democrat from Camano Island has introduced SB 5251, “AN ACT Relating to electric vehicle license fees.”
Currently before the Transportation Committee, the act proposes adding a $100.00 registration fee on top of other fees and taxes at the time of purchase and registration in Washington and at every re-registration thereafter. In simple language the bill states:
“Before accepting an application for a vehicle registration for an electric vehicle that uses propulsion units powered solely by electricity, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant to pay a one hundred dollar fee in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law. The one hundred dollar fee is due at the time of initial vehicle registration and annual registration renewal.”
It goes on to give the purpose:
“The fee under this section is imposed to provide funds to mitigate the impact of vehicles on state roads and highways, and is separate and distinct from other vehicle license fees. Proceeds from the fee must be used for highway purposes, and must be deposited in the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070.”
While it is doubtful too many original purchasers will ever be faced with having to replace the extremely expensive battery packs that power the cars, they will have this extra fee to face every year. I assume it will also carry over to those who might buy one used as well.
The 10-year projection hopes to raise nearly $10,000,000.00 as more and more people are coerced into buying the little cracker boxes.
Add to this the very high price of purchasing one, the time taken to recharge the batteries if leaving the county, what with the decreased range offered with our hills and curves in Washington State and the extra electricity that will have to be created to recharge the batteries, that $100 annual fee might begin looking expensive should this leave committee and be passed into law.
So far, one Republican, Senator Dan Swecker has signed on as co-sponsor with Democrat Senators Mary Margaret Haugen, Tim Sheldon, Steve Hobbs and Scott White.
