Photo courtesy hibino and licensed by Creative Commons.

Here in the United States, renewable energy continues to struggle with market share as many are quite content with using fossil fuels. However, sales of fuel-efficient vehicles were on the rise earlier this year as crude oil prices peaked at over $140 per barrel, sending many consumers scrambling for ways to save money. Between hybrids and traditional gasoline-powered cars, trucks and SUVs with more miles per gallon and a desire to use less energy, if only in the short-term, state coffers are feeling the pinch.

The state of North Carolina recently proposed a change in the way taxes are collected for the Department of Transportation. Instead of relying solely on the statewide gasoline tax, North Carolina wants to implement a road-use tax of one-quarter cents per mile, with the first 2,000 miles free. You, as a North Carolina resident, would be required to have your odometer read annually and taxed based on your vehicle’s usage. There has even been some talk of using GPS satellites to determine when and where you drive, and charge you accordingly, to “manage congestion”.

Now, it’s being reported that Oregon wants to do the same thing. Oregon’s plan doesn’t mention a 2,000 mile freebie period, but does state that drivers will pay 1.2 cents per mile but will be refunded the 24 cents per gallon of gasoline tax. Drivers whose vehicles aren’t equipped with GPS systems allowing the state to track their vehicle usage will pay a higher gasoline tax at the pump. James Whitty, the Oregon Department of Transportation official leading the project said it would take about $20 million to determine if the project is commercially viable as fueling stations and new cars would require additional equipment.

Thought you were going to save money with that fuel-efficient vehicle? Think again.