Dear editor:
Cowboy State Daily recently published an article about the Wyoming legislators considering a 43% fuel tax hike.
Obviously something needs to be done to address the funding shortfall for WYDOT/roads. Sadly, a fuel tax has limitations.
The most obvious limitation is that vehicles with higher MPG will pay less than those with a lower MPG.
Related to this is the reality that some commercial vehicles will be able to cross the entire state without purchasing fuel, so they won't have to contribute at all.
So, I ask that the legislature pause for a moment and consider alternatives to the current fuel tax approach to funding.
One alternative is a Vehicle Mile Tax (VMT). This tax is based on the actual miles traveled.
Another alternative would be a vehicle weight tax. It would be calculated by determining the vehicle's gross weight and the maximum load it can carry.
Switching to either of these taxes, or perhaps others, will present other issues.
That said, I'm sure the legislature is up to the challenge of implementing a road tax for the 21st century.
Sincerely,
James England, Cheyenne
