I see some politicians are finally suggesting that we close the gas-per-mile loophole that has allowed SUVs to guzzle gas. It’s a good idea because it “fixes” a “problem” that politicians created years ago. They legislated. The people acted. Now we still have a ton of hulking gas guzzlers.
It’s a horrible idea otherwise. Think about it. If it was cost-effective to make 30mpg SUVs that are comparable to the 15mpg versions, the companies would already be doing it. If approved, the government is telling you that you have to spend more money up front so that you will save money later.
It would be a much better idea to repeal all the mileage requirements and let the consumer figure it out.
What gas per mile loop-hole? I pay for more gas because my Jeep guzzles it. So, I pay more taxes on the gass.
When fuel mileage standards were created, light trucks & SUVs were exempted. It didn’t seem to matter much at the time because hardly anyone drove them. In response, new cars became more fuel efficient, often involving some loss of power and weight. In response, consumers wanted the “safer” light trucks with more power. In a backwards way, the government actually encouraged people to buy heavier, less efficient vehicles. Light trucks don’t have to meet anywhere near the same standards as small cars.
And you pay more tax per mile, but you pay the same rate on gas as everyone else.