In a misguided attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, legislation has been introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives to establish a progressive purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles based on state calculations of carbon emissions. The bill was considered in committee on Tuesday, January 29, 2008. Depending on the vehicle purchased, this surcharge could require owners to pay up to $2,500 more for the vehicle.
If this effort is successful, the effects on a consumers’ ability to purchase the vehicle of choice, not to mention vehicle safety, could be impacted.
For more information, click here and for more details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.