Commentary: Don’t discourage Utahns from buying electric cars

The Utah Department of Transportation has recently briefed the Utah Legislature’s Transportation Committee on a new plan to invoke a per mile tax/flat rate registration fee on hybrid and electric vehicles.

While I can see the logic in fixing the roads of our great state, I cannot see the logic in disincentivizing cleaner air for Utahns.

Air pollution in Utah, especially in our larger cities located in valleys, is a critical issue regarding public health and safety. Anyone who lives here has seen a red day. They have smelled the carcinogenic atmosphere that is being created by our over-reliance on carbon-based fuels for transportation.

Those governing our state do not seem to care about being outside, even in a place with some of the most beautiful natural treasures in the world, but many of the citizens of this state would like to help.

As we cannot rely on our government to create a healthier environment for its constituency, many of us have decided to take the initiative ourselves. The simple fact is that driving a hybrid or electric vehicle allows individuals to use their purchasing power so that they can help reduce air pollution.

By creating a tax on practices that improve public health, you are reducing the overall well-being of the people living in this state. I implore you to consider this decision wisely.

Utah receives tax money from its state liquor sales system. Alcohol is another carcinogen and therefore a public health concern. However, those who choose not to consume alcohol, and so avoid its deleterious side effects, are not taxed for making that decision.

Consumer freedom has been a hallmark of American policy since its inception. Please do not reduce that freedom for those who make the decision to reduce consumption of another deadly poison.

For the sake of the children of Utah, for your children and your children’s children, do not create barriers to individual action that would help them grow up in a safer environment. Do not hinder their ability to go outside and enjoy some of Utah’s greatest benefits. Do not forsake the Utah consumer engine’s ability to affect change.

This is a business-oriented state. Please allow business practice to reflect the ethical and health concerns of those who engage in commerce. Your children will thank you for it later.

Dylan Goldvale, Salt Lake City, just finished a degree In economics, with an emphasis in statistical analysis, at the University of Utah, and is now a graduate student pursuing an master of statistics degree in econometrics.