2012 Resolution on Motor Fuel Taxes

 Whereas, Virginia is the 12^th most populous state and collects the 12^th 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 2010 motor fuel tax collections were $915.5 million, an increase of 95.5 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 218 in 2010, a 92 percent increase; and

Whereas, In 1987 Virginia licensed drivers totaled 4,070,041, increasing to 5,501,878 in 2010, an increase of 36 percent; and

Whereas, In 1987 registered vehicles in Virginia totaled 4,660,657,  by 2010 that number had increased to 7,565,848, an increase of 62 percent; and

Whereas, In 1987 there were 5,932,300 residents in Virginia.  In 2010 that increased to 8,001,0024, or 35 percent; and

Whereas, In 1987 vehicle miles traveled were 54.8 billion, and in 2010 miles traveled were 80.1 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 principles during the 2012 session of the Virginia General Assembly:

• Virginia motor fuel tax collections have risen faster 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 to assure taxes continued to be assessed on a per gallon basis.

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

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