An Exploration of the Equity and Economic Viability of Mileage Fees: A Budding Alternative to the Gas Tax

Presenter's Name(s)

Clare Nelson

Conference Year

2023

Abstract

Examining substitutes to state and federal fuel excise taxes is a pressing issue, exacerbated by the rise of high efficiency and alternative fuel vehicles threatening the revenue generating capacity of these taxes. A mileage fee is an alternative offering greater benefits to rural and low-income populations than to urban and higher income populations. This study examined the impact of replacing the Vermont state fuels tax with a revenue neutral mileage fee using mileage and fuel economy data for over 300,000 registered passenger vehicles. Existing perceptions of mileage fees and pathways to public support were measured through a regional survey.

Primary Faculty Mentor Name

Gregory Rowangould

Status

Graduate

Student College

College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

Second Student College

Graduate College

Program/Major

Civil Engineering

Primary Research Category

Engineering and Math Science

Abstract only.

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An Exploration of the Equity and Economic Viability of Mileage Fees: A Budding Alternative to the Gas Tax

Examining substitutes to state and federal fuel excise taxes is a pressing issue, exacerbated by the rise of high efficiency and alternative fuel vehicles threatening the revenue generating capacity of these taxes. A mileage fee is an alternative offering greater benefits to rural and low-income populations than to urban and higher income populations. This study examined the impact of replacing the Vermont state fuels tax with a revenue neutral mileage fee using mileage and fuel economy data for over 300,000 registered passenger vehicles. Existing perceptions of mileage fees and pathways to public support were measured through a regional survey.