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Senate approves transportation package that cuts gas tax, adds fee on high-speed EV charging
Summary
The Utah Senate passed a transportation funding bill that reduces the motor fuel tax by 2¢ per gallon, caps the rate at 34.5¢, creates a surcharge on high-capacity public electric vehicle charging stations, and raises certain registration fees to broaden the funding base for roads. Supporters said the change stabilizes rural road funding; critics warned it could double-tax EV users.
The Utah Senate on the floor passed third substitute House Bill 301 on a 19–5 vote, cutting the state motor fuel tax by 2¢ per gallon, capping the rate at 34.5¢ per gallon and creating a new tax on certain public electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations while increasing vehicle registration fees.
“Therefore, this bill goes through and reduces the gas tax by 2¢ per gallon, adjusts and locks in the rate to 34.5¢ per gallon,” Senate sponsor Senator Harper said during floor remarks, and later described the EV surcharge as targeted mostly at high-capacity (Level 3) chargers along interstates and travel corridors. The sponsor said the changes broaden the payer base and…
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