Oregon Public Broadcasting

As efforts to increase Oregon’s gas tax have not succeeded recently, Governor Ted Kulongoski is looking into a ‘mileage tax.' Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

As part of a transportation-related bill Kulongoski filed for the 2009 legislative session, he plans to recommend "a path to transition away from the gas tax."

As Oregonians drive less and demand more fuel-efficient vehicles, income from the gas tax is expected to slow.  So, the governor wants a task force to work with auto manufacturers to refine technology that can record how many miles people drive.

Field tests on about 300 motorists and two service stations in 2007 found that a GPS system would work.

When participants bought fuel, a device in their vehicles computed a mileage tax and gave a refund for a portion of their gas tax.

Quite apart from any financial concerns, many Oregonians object to the idea because it means the government may be able to track their cars in some way.