Topic: Gasoline Tax

The European Union is set to implement a federal carbon tax starting in 2027, targeting gasoline, diesel, and natural gas usage. Current projections suggest CO2 permits could cost between 100 and 200 euros per ton, adding hundreds of euros to annual household expenses. This move marks a shift toward direct federal taxation from Brussels.

California cities like Pasadena consider a "utility tax" on streaming services like Netflix to recoup lost cable revenue. The hosts compare this to taxes on electric cars intended to replace declining gasoline tax revenue, ending the show with a final reference to Ted Kaczynski's theories.

A study by the research group TRIP identifies Concord, California, as having some of the most dilapidated roads in the country. Despite high gasoline taxes intended for infrastructure, many streets in the Bay Area remain in poor condition, leading to increased maintenance costs for motorists and frustration with state spending priorities.

Initiative 732 in Washington State, which proposes a "revenue-neutral" carbon tax, is analyzed. The tax would start at $25 per ton of CO2, effectively raising gasoline prices by 25 cents per gallon. The hosts dismiss the "revenue-neutral" claim as a scam, arguing that any reduction in sales tax would eventually be reversed by future administrations while the carbon tax remains.

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble proposed a European Union-wide tax on gasoline to fund the refugee crisis. Meanwhile, Austria announced a cap on the number of asylum seekers it will accept, signaling a breakdown in the pan-European approach to managing the influx of migrants.

California is exploring a new road tax system that uses GPS "black boxes" to track mileage, as declining gasoline tax revenue fails to cover infrastructure costs. The system would charge drivers based on miles driven rather than fuel consumed. The discussion touches on the legality of GPS jammers and the potential for "Slave Compliance Data" devices to feed fake, positive data to government trackers.

British Columbia has implemented a carbon tax of $50 per ton of CO2, adding approximately 12 cents per liter to gasoline prices. A debate ensues regarding the scientific claim that one liter of gasoline can produce 2.34 kilograms of CO2, noting that the weight increase comes from oxygen in the air during combustion. The tax is characterized as a "tax grab" despite claims of revenue neutrality.

The discussion turns to potential gasoline tax increases to fund infrastructure, with Ray LaHood claiming that transportation spending is "very bipartisan." The hosts criticize the focus on building roads and bridges while unemployment remains high. They also mention the upcoming *Atlas Shrugged* movie and its potential influence on the public's perception of rail travel.

The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform released a report titled "The Moment of Truth," outlining proposed austerity measures for the United States. Recommendations include raising the Social Security retirement age to 69 and implementing a 15-cent per gallon gasoline tax. The commission is described as a bipartisan sales team designed to prepare the public for economic hardship.

A broad discussion on the cumulative tax burden in the United States covers sales tax, state income tax, and specific levies on air travel. One host recounts paying a 9.5% state tax plus a 2.5% "tourist tax" at a San Francisco restaurant despite being a local resident. They argue that total taxation likely exceeds 70% when accounting for excise taxes on fuel, hotels, and communications.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is attempting to close a $42 billion budget gap in California through significant tax increases. Proposed measures include raising the state sales tax to 8.25%, increasing vehicle license fees, and adding a 12-cent tax per gallon of gasoline.