2010 Resolution on Motor Fuel Taxes

 

 Whereas, Virginia is the 12th most populous state and collects the 12th largest amount in motor fuels tax; and

 

Whereas, In 1987, the first full year after Virginia’s motor fuel taxes were last increased, the state collected $468 million.  For 2008 the motor fuel tax collections were $920 million, an increase of 96.5 percent; and

 

Whereas, Since 1987, the costs of goods and services or the consumer price index has risen from an index of 113.6 to 215.3 in 2008, an 89.5 percent increase; and

 

Whereas, In 1987 Virginia licensed drivers totaled 4,070,041, increasing to 5,475,069 in 2008, an increase of 34.5 percent; and

 

Whereas, In 1987 registered vehicles in Virginia totaled 4,660,657,  by 2008 that number had increased to 7,503,924 an increase of 61 percent; and

 

Whereas, In 1987 there were 5,932,300 residents in Virginia.  In 2008 that increased to 7,769,089, or 30.9 percent; and

 

Whereas, In 1987 vehicle miles traveled were 54.8 billion, and in 2008 miles traveled were 82.3 billion, an increase of 50 percent.

 

Now Therefore Be It Resolved,

 

That the VPCGA Board of Directors hereby directs the association staff and membership to advocate the following during the 2010 session of the Virginia General Assembly:

 

  • Over the last 23 years Virginia motor fuel tax collections increased more than any other relevant transportation statistic

 

  • VPCGA opposes any effort to expand local motor fuel taxation, as well as any effort to increase the rate of the existing local taxes

 

  • VPCGA supports ensuring that vehicles powered by new and emerging technologies pay their proportionate share of the cost to construct and maintain Virginia’s highway system

 

  • VPCGA supports Virginia’s system of motor fuels taxation whereby taxes continued to be assessed on a per gallon basis

 

  • VPCGA opposes expansion of the sales tax to motor fuels, as well as any wholesale or percentage tax on motor fuels

 

  • VPCGA supports continuing Virginia’s competitive advantage by maintaining a cents per gallon tax that is below our competing border states