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California Dems plotting sneaky mileage tax under Becerra, GOP lawmaker warns: ‘They just want more money’
Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio says California Democrats may introduce a mileage-based tax under Governor-elect Xavier Becerra, potentially adding to existing fuel and vehicle taxes. Becerra has said “everything should be on the table” to fund road upkeep, including asking electric vehicle owners to contribute, but his campaign says he has not proposed a mileage tax.
DeMaio estimates that a charge of 6 cents per mile would cost someone driving 15,000 miles a year at least $900, before any credits or offsets. He warns that annual odometer readings could be used to calculate charges, though this is his prediction. A state pilot ran from August 2024 to January 2025, testing odometer photos, connected-car technology and plug-in devices; its final report is due by the end of 2026.
In short
- DeMaio warns California could adopt a mileage-based road charge.
- He estimates 15,000 miles could mean at least $900 a year.
- A state pilot tested ways to track mileage; its report is due by year-end.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A mileage charge could provide a more durable way to fund road maintenance as fuel-efficient and electric vehicles contribute less through petrol taxes while still using the roads. A pilot testing different ways to measure distance may help the state assess whether charges can be administered fairly, with protections for privacy and credits to avoid excessive or duplicative costs.
The case against
A per-mile charge could add substantially to what drivers already pay in fuel and vehicle taxes, particularly for people who drive long distances or have limited transport options. Even if intended to replace declining fuel-tax revenue, odometer monitoring or connected-car data could raise privacy concerns, and without clear safeguards, exemptions or offsets, drivers may reasonably worry about higher costs and how the money will be used.
Explained simply
California pays for roads through a mix of fuel taxes and vehicle fees. As more drivers switch to electric cars, which use little or no petrol, the state is considering how those vehicles should contribute to road upkeep.
Xavier Becerra, who has been elected governor, has said different funding options should be considered, including contributions from electric-car owners. He has not proposed a mileage tax, according to his campaign. Carl DeMaio, a Republican member of the state Assembly, says Democrats may pursue one; his estimate of a possible charge is his own calculation, not an announced policy.
California has tested ways to measure how far vehicles travel, including odometer readings and in-car technology. The trial’s findings are expected by the end of 2026, and could inform future discussions about road funding.