DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2015) — The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is urging it members to contact Minnesota state legislators to oppose two bills that would increase fees for fuel efficient vehicles and tax cars for miles traveled.
Legislation (H.F. 324) to mandate payment of a “recoupment” surcharge of up to $95 has been introduced in Minnesota, according to SEMA, which told its members in an email alert that the surcharge “would be calculated to levy the highest tax on owners of the most fuel efficient vehicles.”
According to Diamond Bar-based SEMA, separate legislation (H.B. 325) would require the state Department of Transportation to take steps to implement a vehicle mileage user fee to tax drivers on actual miles driven.
“We urge you to contact House Transportation Policy and Finance Committee members immediately to request their opposition to H.F. 324 and H.F. 325,” SEMA said, posting a list of members and their contact information.
SEMA said H.F. 324 relies on fuel economy estimates provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the appropriate year, make, model, transmission and engine configuration of the vehicle.
“H.F. 324 and H.F. 325 seek to penalize national efforts to create a more fuel-efficient vehicle fleet by taxing drivers based on fuel economy. As gas tax revenues decrease due to hybrid and electric vehicle ownership, states are looking for new sources of funding for pet projects,” told its membership.