tintedpane.com

Now that prices are dropping again due to decreased demand and the general global economic slowdown, the incentive for automakers to create and consumers to purchase more fuel efficient cars also drop. However in European states, their high gas taxes keep the demand up even in the face of decreasing fuel costs. How does America get there? By adopting a gas tax as well. But you can’t just all of a sudden add a 100% tax. There would be uproar and it would be bad for our staggering economy as well. Instead, adopt a 1¢ tax increase/month for the next several years. And then raise it to 1.5¢/month, 2¢/month, etc. This would help change the American mindset that we will have cheap oil forever. Of course even now we all want to decrease our dependence on foreign oil and do reduce our carbon footprint. But without a strong financial incentive, we will forever be locked in debate instead of taking quick action. This idea did not come from me of course. I heard it on NPR last night but I can’t seem to find the transcript right now. I think this is a great idea. It doesn’t cause drastic immediate change, but it will encourage people and car companies over the long run to reevaluate their situation and change their long-term plans.