Controversy is growing in California over the potential introduction of the so-called California mileage tax, which would charge drivers based on the distance they travel rather than fuel consumption.
Opposition from drivers is intensifying, particularly after Xavier Becerra, a Democratic candidate for California governor and former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary, left the door open for its implementation.
The New York Post reported on the 29th that Becerra stated in a recent interview that “all options must be left open” when asked about the introduction of a mileage tax.
Becerra explained, “Roads do not maintain themselves magically. We have to pay for the cost.” He added, “I do not want to impose taxes more than necessary, but electric vehicle drivers who do not use gasoline also need to contribute to road maintenance costs.”>
Currently, the California government is reviewing plans to replace the existing gasoline tax with a fee determined by vehicle mileage. A mileage tax calculates costs based on actual distance driven rather than total fuel consumed.
Some Republican state lawmakers argued that, based on previously reviewed plans, fees could range from 6 to 9 cents per mile. They estimate this could cost the average driver approximately $1,000 annually in additional expenses.
Residents struggling with high living expenses and vehicle maintenance costs are voicing strong concerns about the added tax burden. In particular, truck drivers whose livelihoods depend on long-distance hauling are fiercely resisting the proposal.
Kenyatta Cole, a 62-year-old truck driver in Los Angeles, criticized the proposal in an interview with the California Post, saying, “We are already paying road use taxes to use California’s roads. They keep taxing everyday peopleโwhen does it finally end?>
However, the implementation of a mileage tax has not yet been finalized, and Becerra has not formally announced it as an official campaign pledge.
