New EPA MPG Standards Allow More CarsTo Fall to Guzzler Status

In a stunning blow for common sense, the EPA changed the way they test the fuel economy of all cars a few months ago, accounting for such wild and reckless behavior as driving at 80 MPH, running the air conditioning in 95ºF temperatures, and driving in 20ºF weather, all of which use more fuel than the standard tests. These changes won’t show up on cars until the 2008 model year, but at least it’s done, and we the consumers didn’t get screwed in the process.

Well, not entirely. As we lounged at 35,000 feet in the Dubspeed private jet, sipping the finest cognac in our silk smoking jackets and enjoying the services of the many fine dancing girls under our employ, Zerin mentioned the gas guzzler tax to me. It seemed to him that a decrease in MPG ratings across the board, especially if it reflects a more realistic rating, should lead to a corresponding decrease in the numbers on the tax schedule for the gas guzzler tax, yet this had not happened.


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SupraNeverBack - 4/18/2007 12:28:33 PM

+2 Boost

Gas guzzler tax:

At least 22.5 $0
At least 21.5 but less than 22.5 1,000
At least 20.5 but less than 21.5 1,300
At least 19.5 but less than 20.5 1,700
At least 18.5 but less than 19.5 2,100
At least 17.5 but less than 18.5 2,600
At least 16.5 but less than 17.5 3,000
At least 15.5 but less than 16.5 3,700
At least 14.5 but less than 15.5 4,500
At least 13.5 but less than 14.5 5,400
At least 12.5 but less than 13.5 6,400
Less than 12.5 7,700.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/18/2007 8:30:55 PM

+2 Boost

THEY NEED TO PUT THAT IN SUVs.

Imagine the sales stoppage of the H2 when people realize they have to pay $8K extra to excuse the fuel efficiency! And then they have to face paying for $90 gas every week on the side!

Anthony - 4/19/2007 2:13:16 AM

-2 Boost

That's exactly why they DO NOT need to include a gas guzzler's tax on SUVs. No, it may not be fair, but why would the government want to cannibalize the sales of their own companies' products? Want to see GM and Ford suffer even worse than what they are now? Have the government impose these on SUVs so that everyone will stop buying American SUVs.

budfrogS4 - 4/18/2007 1:04:16 PM

+2 Boost

That's fine. I hope they direct those taxes towards something related and useful.

jon21 - 4/18/2007 1:34:57 PM

-1 Boost

I wish I could tax the government. :)

moto - 6/23/2007 4:32:28 AM

+1 Boost

... so that we can blame you for everything that we don't like that happens in the country? ;-)