A lot of the states with higher fuel taxes set those rates partially for things like road and bridge maintenance, or so that is what they claim. It is noticeable to me though in NC. When you cross from NC into SC or TN (not so much VA - which has higher fuel tax and a much larger tax base due to the DC area), the roads usually are noticeably worse almost immediately - severe pot-holes, poor maintenance on paving, painted lines, and guard rails, rusted overpasses, etc.. But the gasoline is a lot cheaper. I'm sure every state has numerous reasons for their rates though - some justified, some not.
That argues for state gasoline tax choice being driven by both socio-economic factors and fundamental values. I have never gone looking for the data but have to blithely assume poorly maintained road systems act as a drag on commerce and are more dangerous for all motorists.
rgio: If it was up to me, the US federal government would triple the excise tax to 45.2 cents..... for starters. For air quality, for health, for the implicit fuel subsidy to US Armed Forces, as a market-friendly way of reducing climate emissions, as a smart way of taxing the US federal government back to better fiscal health. No rebates.
When and if enough automobiles on the road are electric, it will be interesting to see how road construction, repairs and maintenance will be financed. Right now, privileged private owners of EVs are sucking resources from the public purse.
Absolutely. The total in the map comes to 85.12 cents/gallon. The total in that excellent article you posted comes to $1.19/gallon.
It is really hard to find a complete data base of fuel taxes that includes everything and allows a comparison of state or nations.
I thought the comparisons between states that the posted map offers is interesting. Hints at either big regional differences in socio-economic status or perhaps...big regional differences in fundamental values.
A lot of the states with higher fuel taxes set those rates partially for things like road and bridge maintenance, or so that is what they claim. It is noticeable to me though in NC. When you cross from NC into SC or TN (not so much VA - which has higher fuel tax and a much larger tax base due to the DC area), the roads usually are noticeably worse almost immediately - severe pot-holes, poor maintenance on paving, painted lines, and guard rails, rusted overpasses, etc.. But the gasoline is a lot cheaper. I'm sure every state has numerous reasons for their rates though - some justified, some not.
Absolutely. The total in the map comes to 85.12 cents/gallon. The total in that excellent article you posted comes to $1.19/gallon.
It is really hard to find a complete data base of fuel taxes that includes everything and allows a comparison of state or nations.
I thought the comparisons between states that the posted map offers is interesting. Hints at either big regional differences in socio-economic status or perhaps...big regional differences in fundamental values.
It's literally a money grab based on what you can get away with.
In the Northeast...the major roads are toll roads. In a place like CA, you pay for express lanes...but in NJ, PA, DE, NY, MA...you pay just to gain access.
Crossing PA in a car will cost you $35+...each way. In NJ, it costs you $18.85 to go 117 miles on the turnpike....just so you can pay $15 to cross the bridge or tunnel into NY. At the end of the month...NJ tolls (which were raised last year because of the reduced traffic volumes and the need to cover the debt service), will be going up 3% to cover inflation.
Yes...somehow last year they needed money based on historical commitments, but now that traffic has returned they need money to cover inflation ... but the debt service hasn't changed very much.
See the article I linked to for some other taxes/surcharges that aren't included here...
Absolutely. The total in the map comes to 85.12 cents/gallon. The total in that excellent article you posted comes to $1.19/gallon.
It is really hard to find a complete data base of fuel taxes that includes everything and allows a comparison of state or nations.
I thought the comparisons between states that the posted map offers is interesting. Hints at either big regional differences in socio-economic status or perhaps...big regional differences in fundamental values.
I found this chart to be interesting, at least for me because the publicy goal of reducing climate emissions, reducing health emissions and encouraging people to self-propel are all super important, particularly in the light of devastating epidemic that is essentially a respiratory disease, and the crucial importance of health for immunity.
Fine print: posted rates are state taxes and do not include the federal 18.4 cents/gallon tax. California is way ahead of the pack.
See the article I linked to for some other taxes/surcharges that aren't included here...
I found this chart to be interesting, at least for me because the publicy goal of reducing climate emissions, reducing health emissions and encouraging people to self-propel are all super important, particularly in the light of devastating epidemic that is essentially a respiratory disease, and the crucial importance of health for immunity.
Fine print: posted rates are state taxes and do not include the federal 18.4 cents/gallon tax. California is way ahead of the pack.
When Obama was in office and something happened that could be blamed on him, his detractors mocked, "thanks, Obama!" But as time went on, they started saying "thanks Obama" for things totally unrelated to the presidency. Then it got picked up ironically by people who stubbed their toe "Thanks, Obama!" or forgot their keys on the nightstand "Thanks, Obama!" so he played along and tried to dunk a cookie too large for the glass of milk...
All these what are they.... political memes!?!! I feel like I am starting at zero. Everybody else gets it except me.
When Obama was in office and something happened that could be blamed on him, his detractors mocked, "thanks, Obama!" But as time went on, they started saying "thanks Obama" for things totally unrelated to the presidency. Then it got picked up ironically by people who stubbed their toe "Thanks, Obama!" or forgot their keys on the nightstand "Thanks, Obama!" so he played along and tried to dunk a cookie too large for the glass of milk...
The deal with where he filled up, and other places like Bridgeport or Lee Vining, is that they're remote. Not many people live there and it's a long haul from anywhere, so it's expensive to truck fuel there. Since it's expensive, people plan ahead and fill up at the last possible point before they drop into that hole, so they don't get very much incidental tourist business. The locals often have storage tanks so they can buy in bulk, etc. etc. so a fuel retailer in those places has to buy less fuel so it doesn't go bad, maintain their tanks more to keep moisture/condensation out... it's fun to talk about the outrageous prices in those places but if they were getting rich, there'd be competition. And there's not. So if your plan is to go there and drive around for a few days, which is highly recommended by the way, you need to plan on a 30% higher fuel expense.
