6 chapters across the catalog
California EV Mandate, Mileage Tax, Transportation Funding
California passes new regulations requiring all new cars sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035. The hosts discuss the "budget pothole" this creates due to lost gas tax revenue and the proposed implementation of a mileage-based tax to fund road maintenance.
San Diego Mileage Tax, SANDAG and Social Equity
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) has proposed a $163 billion transportation plan that includes a controversial tax of two to six cents for every mile driven. Proponents claim the investment will address traffic congestion and "social equity" by 2050, while opponents have held rallies to denounce the mileage tax as un-American. The proposal comes as California residents already face some of the highest fuel taxes and gas prices in the United States.
A host provides advice on purchasing used vehicles, suggesting that buyers should wait for "neat freak" owners who maintain cars in showroom condition. The discussion touches on personal driving habits, noting that one host has only put 11,000 miles on a truck over three years.
California Mileage Tax, Gas Tax Shortfall, Privacy Concerns
California is testing a mileage-based tax system to address the revenue shortfall caused by fuel-efficient and electric vehicles. The pilot program involves 5,000 participants using GPS trackers or odometer photos, raising significant privacy concerns among drivers.
California Mileage Tax Proposal, Electric Vehicle Batteries
California officials are considering a mileage-based tax to replace declining gas tax revenue caused by fuel-efficient and electric vehicles. The environmental impact of mining nickel and lithium for EV batteries is discussed as a hidden cost of "green" technology. The segment explores how the "Internet of Things" and smog check data could be used to track and bill drivers for miles traveled.
The U.S. government is accelerating plans to mandate black box data recorders in all new vehicles by 2014. While framed as a safety measure, the hosts argue these devices are intended for revenue generation, such as automated speeding tickets and mileage taxes. They express concern over the lack of privacy protections and the potential for the IRS to use the data.
