March 21, 2012

A Vision For A Cleaner and Safer Connecticut

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A few weeks ago I wrote about the impact state and federal taxes have on gas prices and today I want to follow up with recent legislative developments and also to highlight ideas for alternatives.

Taxes are one of the biggest hurdles to lowering state gas prices and the only one we as a state have control over. Currently, Connecticut drivers pay a combined 67 cents for federal and state taxes on each gallon of gas, which are the highest average prices in New England and also above the national average of 48.8 cents per gallon. You’ll remember Connecticut has a flat 25 cent per gallon tax and also a separate, additional gross receipts tax which fluctuates based on the wholesale price of gas.

Recently, after repeated attempts by Republicans in the legislature, Democrats have suggested placing a temporary cap on the gross receipts tax. I agree a cap is needed because Connecticut drivers deserve tax relief – but I question why this is only proposed as a temporary measure. If it’s a good idea to reduce taxes now … won’t it still be a good idea in 15 months? Especially when you consider that a gas tax increase is set for the day after this cut expires.

While the tax cap is important I also believe it is past time to explore reasonable fuel alternatives; natural gas and fuel cell technology are a few that come to mind. The bigger issue, however, is how we institute them at a reasonable cost and make them available to every citizen. Infrastructure appears to be a major limiting factor in promoting more widespread use of natural gas and fuel cell vehicles.

As alternative fueling stations become available, more Connecticut drivers will take advantage of this technology and the cost of ownership will decrease. Increased use across Connecticut will spur industry growth and ultimately benefit not only the environment but also the wallet.

Like the locomotive and the combustion engine in preceding centuries, fuel cells and natural gas are the wave of the future. Investment in these technologies is in the best interests of our environment, national security and job creation. Connecticut is already a leader in creating fuel cell technology but increased usage is limited by infrastructure.

We can’t continue to rely on foreign oil, we must find the political courage to take a leadership role in developing our nation’s natural resources and technology to surge ahead, make our country safer and create long-term, stable jobs for our economy.

We need to get back our American competitive spirit and excel in innovation and invention like we did during the 1800 and 1900s. We have the need, we have the vision, and the time is now.