Environmentalists Eye Gas Guzzlers

Nearly $10.2 billion dollars in federal taxes were lost because of a law that exempts light-duty trucks, from fuel-efficiency standards.

1 minute read

September 3, 2000, 9:00 AM PDT

By California 2000


Nearly $10.2 billion dollars in federal taxes were lost because of a law that exempts light-duty trucks, including SUVs, from fuel-efficiency standards, according to a study released by Friends of the Earth. A 1978 law to encourage the production of fuel-efficient vehicles levied a tax on auto manufacturers for each passenger car that gets less than 22.5 miles per gallon, with light-duty trucks in another category. Today, with SUV purchases comprising almost half of auto sales, environmentalists assert that these exemptions are bad for the environment and give unfair tax advantages. Industry officials argue that the study inflated estimates of the potential taxes.

Thanks to California 2000 Project

Thursday, August 31, 2000 in The Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Albuquerque, New Mexico at sunset.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico

An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

May 16 - Source NM

Close-up on white bike helmet lying on pavement with blurred red bike on its side in background abd black car visible behind it.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes

Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

May 16 - Wood TV 8

Muni bus on red painted bus-only lane in downtown San Francisco, California.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels

Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.

May 16 - Mass Transit