Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Cars

Nevada Becomes Newest Battleground in Mileage Tax Debate

Nevada's state DOT is in the early stages of a years-long study aimed at mapping a possible transition from the gas tax to a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) fee, a shift urged last year by a congressionally chartered panel on infrastructure financing and encouraged by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR).

GPS_tax_mileage.jpgIn-vehicle GPS units, such as the one above, are often discussed as a method for tracking VMT. (Photo: JustGetThere)

But after the first of the state's two public hearings on the study, the very idea of evaluating an eventual VMT tax is proving to be polarizing and politically risky.

The Nevada chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has decried the study as a privacy risk, raising "serious questions about any VMT proposal that would set up what
amounts to a perfect infrastructure for tracking citizens everywhere
they go in their vehicles," while two regional transportation commissions have withdrawn funding from the effort.

The Nevada Motor Transport Association, a trade group representing trucking and bus companies, also has spoken out against the concept of VMT charges, while business and labor interests are countering with support for the study under the umbrella of the Nevada Highway Users Coalition (not connected to the American Highway Users Alliance).

Local road users, meanwhile, appear to be divided on the merits of a move from gas taxes to mileage-based charging. From the Reno Gazette-Journal:

Gasingup one recent afternoon at a Reno service station, [Luiz] Garcia said he wouldprobably be open to a mileage-based fee system to raise needed roadfunding.

"It seems like that would be fair," said Garcia, 48. "If you use, you have to pay."

ScottDeupree, 62, said he would be open to considering the possibility butwould want to be sure fees wouldn't be added to existing gas taxes foran overall tax increase "on the sly."Roads"have got to be taken care of" and if a mileage fee is the mostefficient way to do so, it might be a reasonable step, said 25-year-oldBrandon Rasmussen of Carson City.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday Video: Are We All Living in a ‘Carspiracy’?

How does "car-brain" shape the way we think about the world — even in relatively bike-friendly countries like the U.K.?

July 26, 2024

Friday’s Headlines Share and Share Alike

Bikeshares, and e-bikes and scooters generally, are becoming more popular. That's led to more injuries, highlighting the need for better infrastructure.

July 26, 2024

What the Heck is Going on With the California E-Bike Incentive Program?

The program's launch has been delayed for two years, and currently "there is no specific timeline" for it. Plus the administrator, Pedal Ahead, is getting dragged, but details are vague.

July 26, 2024

Talking Headways Podcast: Have Cities Run Out of Land?

Chris Redfearn of USC and Anthony Orlando of Cal Poly Pomona on why "pro-business" Texas housing markets are catching up to "pro-regulation" California and what it might mean for future city growth.

July 25, 2024

The Paris Plan for Olympic Traffic? Build More Bike Lanes

A push to make Paris fully bikable for the Olympics is already paying dividends long before the opening ceremonies.

July 25, 2024
See all posts