tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087864690835202543.post3044915351938844663..comments2023-08-29T05:04:39.485-07:00Comments on Sierra Club California Blog Spot: Sierra Club California Letter to Governor Schwarzenegger on Highest Priority LegislationSierra Club Californiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111157920903158532noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087864690835202543.post-20208189633322963912007-09-22T14:55:00.000-07:002007-09-22T14:55:00.000-07:00I hope that you will take a moment to examine AB 1...I hope that you will take a moment to examine AB 118 as passed by the legislature and that you will advocate for its VETO.<BR/><BR/>According to the Times, this bill, now on the governor's desk, would charge a $3.00 fee on every auto, trailer, and watercraft DMV registration ostensibly for the study of clean fuels.<BR/><BR/>Why every sail boat in California should pay a fee to study clean fuel is a puzzle.<BR/><BR/>For the majority of Californians who do not buy coffee at Starbucks (See Calif. Progressive advocacy column)and may not be of a mind to subsidize for-profit energy companies, this fee is an unwelcome 7.3% increase in the typical auto registration fee. At least a license fee is tied to value. AB 118 is a regressive tax which may seem to be for a good purpose but is unfocused in impact on those who will pay and unfair as to who then will most likely benefit, the new car buyer.<BR/><BR/>The sponsors estimate $200 million will be taxed annually by this so called fee.<BR/><BR/>There are clearly better ways to encourage clean fuels. Witness Toyota's Hybrid and the efforts of European automakers to bring clean diesels to market.<BR/><BR/>I hope you agree this measure deserves your organzation's opposition and that you will advocate for a veto of this compromised, costly and ineffective legislation.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/><BR/>RobAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com