Apart from the fact that I’m completely against these heavy taxes though; CO2 isn’t a pollutant, but the amount of CO2 a car emmits per mile/kilometer/whatever is directly related to the amount of fuel it burns…so as a measure of fuel efficiency it’s actually ok.

Once again though, I don’t see how consuming more fuel is a legitimate reason to be taxed heavier twice (when buying a car AND with high taxes on fuel) in this rediculous fashion.

Just one more way of stealing money from those who work hard to get a good income, and consequently most likely spend it on dumb uncontrolled projects.

Yep we already have a usage tax here… it is called the 80% or so on gasoline! This is basically a carbon tax that is already imposed. The current so called CO2 tax is a carrot or whip at purchase.

What is not necessary is a tax, say on a large vehicle, lightly used, but taxed every year the same as one used more often…

An upfront fee bares absolutely no relation to any “true” environmental cost.

Fair disclaimer: I’m looking to buy a gas Land Rover (diesels not being available in the NA market). However, it’s a third vehicle, and I often bike to work in the summer (however, more for fitness then any environmental concern).

Shhh, don’t say that too loud or the taxman might hear. Water vapor is also an exhaust gas from burning hydrocarbons in internal combustion engines.

What if I have a Ferrari that I take out on weekends but bike to work? Who pollutes the most in this case? Tracking the milage and corresponding CO2 usage would be an administrative head ache.

Anyway, I’m all for policy for encouraging energy efficient transportation… even if it hurts the SUV wanting crowd, you want it, you pay it’s true environmental cost.

N85523 : While water vapor does play a role in global warming, our CO2 emissions have a significant impact on climate change through the fact that we pump out more than plants or oceans can absorb. Water vapor can turn into rain, CO2 not so much.

I can’t wait until people start up the water vapor tax on hydrogen cars. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, water vapor is a more potent insulatory (greenhouse) gas than carbon dioxide.