U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) on Feb. 12 each sponsored bicameral legislation that would impose a one-time fee on electric vehicles (EVs) to ensure they contribute to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF).
“EVs can weigh up to three times as much as gas-powered cars, creating more wear and tear on our roads and bridges,” Sen. Fischer said. “It’s only fair that they pay into the Highway Trust Fund just like other cars do.”
The Fair Sharing of Highways and Roads for Electric Vehicles Act, also known as the Fair SHARE Act, S. 536/H.R. 1253, would direct funds from these fees to support the construction and maintenance of U.S. roads and bridges under the HTF.
“The Fair SHARE Act will require EVs to pay their fair share for the upkeep of America’s infrastructure,” said Sen. Fischer.
Rep. Johnson pointed out that because the HTF is on the road to insolvency, EVs should “pay their fair share to maintain our roads and bridges.”
“I’m grateful for Sen. Fischer’s leadership on this bill that will undoubtedly create a more stable Highway Trust Fund, ensuring the government can continue to make meaningful investments in our road infrastructure needs,” said the congressman.
The HTF supports more than 90 percent of federal highway aid to states and was meant to be funded primarily by the federal gas tax. However, since the gas tax was last raised in 1993, the HTF faces insolvency due to more fuel-efficient vehicles on the roads, leading to reduced fuel consumption, according to a summary provided by the lawmakers.
Meanwhile, EVs are not subject to the gas tax and do not contribute to the HTF, despite their batteries weighing up to triple the weight of gas-powered cars, leading to more road wear and causing more maintenance and costs, the summary says.
If enacted, the bill would fix this discrepancy by implementing a fee at the manufacturer level at the point of sale of EVs.
The American Trucking Associations, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, Associated General Contractors of America, the National Association of Counties, the National Association of County Engineers, and the National League of Cities endorsed the measure.