In a bold new move to replace gas taxes, California is considering a “Step Tax” where residents would pay based on the number of steps they walk each day. This innovative approach aims to capture revenue from even the most fuel-efficient Californians who have long avoided paying their fair share for road maintenance.
“Just like you pay your gas and electric bills based on how much of these utilities you use, a step tax is a fair and sustainable way to fund road maintenance, preservation, and improvements for all Californians,” reads a website dedicated to the program. “Instead of paying the state’s gas tax, which disproportionately impacts those who cannot afford more fuel-efficient vehicles, everyone would pay a per-step fee for how much they walk, regardless of how green their car is.”
The program plans to track residents’ daily step counts through the Health app on their smartphones, ensuring accurate and fair billing. At a proposed rate of $0.30 per 1,000 steps, the average Californian can expect to pay around $2.10 per day if they hit the recommended 7,000 daily steps for a healthy lifestyle.
“We know this might seem a bit of a stretch, but with the rise of electric vehicles and more people working from home, we need to find new ways to fund our roads,” said an unnamed official. “Plus, it’s a great way to encourage fitness and help us meet our state health goals!”
The site adds that about 80 percent of highway and road repairs are funded by gasoline taxes paid by drivers at the pump, and on average, each driver pays about $300 per year. However, with more people opting for zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) and California’s mandate that all new-vehicle sales must be ZEV by 2035, the gas tax is becoming obsolete.
While some residents may be concerned about privacy, the state assures that step data will only be used for taxation purposes. “We’re not interested in where you’re going, just how many steps it takes to get there,” the official added with a chuckle.
To incentivize participation, the state is offering a special discount for marathon runners and avid hikers, who could end up paying significantly more due to their high step counts. Additionally, those who prefer a more sedentary lifestyle might find a silver lining in this new tax plan.
As always, Californians are encouraged to provide feedback and sign up for the pilot program. So, dust off those running shoes and get ready to count your steps, because in California, every step you walk counts – literally!
