Heller says new gas tax not the way to cut emissions

Congressman Dean Heller blasted a Congressional proposal to increase the gas tax, saying it would be a major blow to the state's economy.

"Every problem in this country can be fixed by a tax increase. Or at least, the majority party in Congress apparently believes that is the case. In this Congress we have seen proposals to increase taxes on everything from cigarettes and mining to health insurance and air travel, while also allowing current tax cuts to expire on the marriage tax penalty, death taxes, capital gains and the child tax credit. Adding to this legacy, the Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman John Dingell (D-MI), is currently proposing a 50 cent per gallon gas tax to help combat and reduce vehicle emissions. While I share the desire for a cleaner environment, I do not believe taxing Nevada families is how we achieve this goal. Moreover, this tax will have a disproportionate effect on rural Nevada, where families often have to travel long distances in the course of their weekly routines."

Read more from Heller, a Carson City native, on the Opinion page in Wednesday's Appeal.