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Washoe County commissioners approve advisory question asking voters whether EVs and hybrids should pay new fees for roads
Summary
After hearing an RTC presentation on declining fuel-tax revenue and polling that showed majority support, the commission approved an advisory question to appear on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot asking whether electric and hybrid vehicles should face new fees for roadway construction and maintenance. Supporters framed it as fairness; opponents raised legal and equity concerns.
The Washoe County Commission voted June 23 to place an advisory question before voters asking whether new fees should be imposed on electric and hybrid vehicles to help pay for roadway construction and maintenance.
Bill Thomas, presenting for the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), described trends that he said produced a funding gap: vehicle miles traveled have risen while fuel-tax receipts—RTC’s principal local funding source—have declined as the fleet shifts to more efficient and electric vehicles. Thomas quantified the shortfall to the county at roughly $15 million since the trend began, based on the RTC’s analysis and a Gwen Center study.
"We are in this trend now where the demand's going up and the resources are going down," Thomas said, summarizing the RTC’s analysis and pointing to recent major projects the local fuel tax helped deliver, including Mill Street and Arlington Avenue.
The RTC also conducted two public polls. Thomas said the first poll (800 likely voters, December) found majority support for a fee on electric and hybrid vehicles; a second follow-up poll in June showed similar results. The RTC recommended asking an advisory question on the November ballot; if voters signal support, Thomas said RTC and the county would pursue legislative authorization to implement a fee.
Public commenters offered varied reactions. Supporters urged fairness — that vehicles using roads should contribute — and raised concerns about out-of-state registration and commercial fleets avoiding local fees. Opponents, including speakers from renotaxrevolt.com, argued the county had not proven a need, warned of legal challenges, and said taxing EVs could discourage adoption and harm clean-air goals.
After discussion, the board took a recorded voice vote; staff recorded the motion as carrying with a majority in favor and one opposing vote. County staff and RTC said the advisory question is not itself a tax or fee but a way to advise the county and legislature about public sentiment; any fee would require statutory authority and further action.
The commission’s approval moves the advisory question onto the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot. County and RTC staff said the next step—if voters indicate support—would be to draft legislation for the state legislature to authorize implementation.
