California Gubernatorial Candidate Becerra Open to Per-Mile Road Charge: EV Drivers Should Also Pay for Road Repairs
Xavier Becerra, who is running for governor of California, told KCRA reporter Ashley Zavala in an interview that he is willing to consider a per-mile road charge to replace or supplement the state gas tax as a way to pay for road and bridge repairs. Asked whether he would support a mileage-based tax, he said, "Everything should be on the table."
Becerra said roads are not maintained by a magic wand and have to be paid for; he does not want to tax people more than necessary, but the gas tax should be paid, and drivers of electric vehicles, who do not buy gasoline, should also pay for road repairs: "Absolutely." Becerra previously served as California attorney general and as U.S. secretary of health and human services, and is running to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.
California officials are wrapping up a study on replacing the gas tax with a vehicle-miles-traveled fee. Critics worry a per-mile charge would hit drivers with long commutes hardest.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：哈维尔·贝塞拉官方肖像。美国国会官方照片，公共领域，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Official portrait of Xavier Becerra. U.S. Congress photo, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
