I like the idea of adding a gas tax

[fujiyama]

I know this sounds somewhat nutty, but really I think this is the best idea I've read...

First tax all gasoline purchased then pool all that money together and return part of it as a UNIFORM tax refund and use another part to invest in alternative fuel sources. That way, those that are buying more gas are penalized.

I might favor this over higher CAFE standards (which aren't a bad idea but just haven't worked in any meaningful way), because CAFE standards seems to have too many loop holes and they aren't likely to be changed anytime soon. As this article explains:

"The way they work is to set a fuel-efficiency target that each automaker must meet on average throughout its fleet. There's one standard for cars and another, laxer standard, for "light trucks" including SUVs. As liberals like to point out, this SUV loophole doesn't make much sense. And as they're less fond of conceding, they don't make sense in part because the whole approach doesn't make sense."

http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewWeb&articleId=10183

[BlueEyedSon]

1. Use the tax to repay companies/individuals investing in alt energy

[NCPatriot]

2. I understand your thoughts

Of liking a tax that is fair and equitable to ALL... the only problem is that the repugs wont allow it!

The people/corporations that buy the most gas are generally going to be using it in a business sense. Thus there will have to be 17 volumes of tax code written to exempt them from the tax, or provide a means for FULL refund with interest! (See first we get double-taxation, then they get double-exemption)

Then comes the code written in article 18B paragraphs 6,6a, and 9. Subsection 72. Any middle class consumer must spend more than $25,000 in one single calendar year in order to qualify for any refund.

The happy politiking side will be glad to have this tax - but getting that money back outta their hands is going to be like getting a repuglikan to tell the truth! Wont happen!

Just Look at Social Security! (Once they have it... they spend it!)