Green Taxes

I am very much in favor of a gasoline tax to fund tax breaks for companies that make electric cars.

Let's face it - Oil is not going to last forever. And, electric cars seem to be a very good, green alternative. I know - I know - the electricity has to come from somewhere. But, as we Americans begin to endorse greener ways of generating electricity, I believe that problem will resolve itself. Consider this: if everyone had some way of generating green electricity - say - putting solar panels on their roof. Imagine all the electricity that could be generated if entire neighborhoods were using solar electricity generators! And, if a household just generates enough electricity to charge the battery in their electric car, then we have managed to take all of those carbon emissions out of the system. And, if we make sure that all the technology used to build solar panels and electric cars is American, we can help the economy to boot.

Now, before the right wingers start accusing me of being a tax and spender, let me say that I am not talking about putting these green taxes into the general fund. I do not trust the government not to divert that money to something else in future. Rather, any green taxes should be put into a trust fund such that the funds can only be used to fund green project start up costs (infrastructure, etc.).

So, how about it America? Can we invest a few cents per gallon to ensure our future energy independence?