New tax would push gasoline prices over $4 a gallon
SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – The average price of gasoline has dropped by half a cent to an average $3.77 per gallon, but come January 2015, the price of gasoline per gallon could well be over $4.
Right now San Diego has the lowest average gasoline price per gallon since the middle of February, but it could change soon as a hidden gas tax would increase the price of gasoline up by 76 cents.
California already has the highest gas prices in the nation, and any further increase could adversely impact family budgets, our economy, and small businesses.
“Higher taxes, employer mandates, and generally anti business legislation seems to be the only thing that comes out of our elected officials,” said Ann Kinner.
Ann Kinner is chair of the local chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business.
“The executive director of the Federation is trying to get the tax increase on gasoline prices delayed for three years. Three years would be the time needed to study the actual impact of citizens and the economy.
“Quite bluntly, San Diego small business owners and taxpayers and frankly Californians across the board are in for a serious hangover come new year’s day,” said Kabateck.
The size of the increase ranges from 10-cents a gallon to 76-cents a gallon.
“Everyone, rich and poor alike, will be affected by Carb’s latest efforts. The fuels under the cap regulation is absolute wrong way to go to meet California’s rigorous air quality standards,” said Jones.
The cap limits the amount of greenhouse gases a company can emit.
The trade part, either at auction or from others, allows companies that pollute beyond their limit to purchase permits from those who have more permits than they need.
In effect, one would be buying the right to pollute the air, and in return billions of dollars down the road.
Assemblyman Brian Jones sees this as government trying to change behavior.
“The intentions of this legislation are to push people to moving closer to their work places, buy more fuel efficient vehicles, and drive less and consume less,” said Jones.
San Diego tax fighter Richard Rider said it was Sacramento being Sacramento, leading the way.
“We’re out there by ourselves, driving up business costs, driving up our cost of living in California, and the other 49 states are yucking it up not to mention the other countries,” said Rider.
Even the lowest estimate, 10-cents a gallon, would translate to over $4 a gallon starting January 2015.
