In response to the Opinion by Andrew Siegel, it was a good article, and I’d like to add a couple of points (“Is the new alternative fuel vehicle fee fair?”).
The last governor rammed through state legislation to adopt the California fuel standard, forcing us to phase in electric vehicles. Some people, like me, tried to get ahead of it by purchasing a non-plug-in hybrid. I bought one in 2024. This way, I was helping with emissions but still buying gas to support roads, as I didn’t want to pay a special “tax” for owners of vehicles using the streets but not supporting maintenance on them.
Now, I find out that the new governor is hitting me with a $60 annual fee (tax). Where did this come from? Where was the vote on this issue? To add insult, my insurance company classifies me as a “low-mileage” driver and gives me a premium discount. The state does not designate low-mileage motorists.
This “fee” should not stand, and the current governor and his administration should be castigated for their money grab.
James L. Baker
Milford
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
