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Republican lawmakers are proposing new taxes on electric vehicle (EV) sales as a way to help fund road maintenance and highway repairs. The move stems from concerns that EVs, which do not use gasoline or diesel, are not contributing to the federal Highway Trust Fund through fuel taxes. Since EVs don't consume fuel, they avoid paying state and federal fuel taxes, which are traditionally used to fund infrastructure projects like road repairs.

To address this issue, Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) introduced the "FAIR Share Act." This legislation seeks to impose a one-time tax on the sale of EVs. Specifically, it proposes a $1,000 tax on all electric vehicles, with an additional $550 charge for EVs equipped with large batteries weighing over 1,000 pounds. However, hybrid vehicles would be exempt from these taxes, as they still use gasoline or diesel.

The move comes amid broader discussions in Congress about funding highway maintenance, particularly as lawmakers prepare to create a new transportation spending bill. Republicans argue that the EV tax is necessary to make up for lost revenue due to the rise of electric vehicles. They are also concerned with the financial sustainability of the Highway Trust Fund as gasoline and diesel consumption declines.

This proposal is a response to the growing electric vehicle market and the rising need for infrastructure that can support EVs while also ensuring that traditional road maintenance and improvements are funded adequately. The tax could be seen as part of broader Republican efforts to adjust to new transportation trends while ensuring that road repair budgets are maintained.