New Propane Tax Proposed

Tankfarm is urging energy consumers in Connecticut to oppose a new proposed propane tax. The details of the proposal were reported here in the Hartford Courant.

The propane tax is conceptual, and not concrete law. The idea of the ‘fee’ is to help create a special fund for energy conservation projects.

Good for the Environment?

Supporters of the propane tax say it will push consumers to make their heating systems more efficient. Tankfarm thinks we’re already pretty motivated to do that without any new taxes. The cost of propane and freezing Connecticut winters do that nicely already.

Many environmental groups in Connecticut would like to see the state reduce its dependence on fossil fuels like propane and heating oil to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But the Hartford Courant article points out there’s no guarantee the propane tax will do anything for the environment:

“One problem with such energy conservation funds is that, in times of state budget crisis, lawmakers have often “swept up” the money in those conservation funds to help solve deficit problems. Both Democrats and Republicans this year have proposed taking energy conservation funds to aid the effort to close a $2.3 billion budget gap.”

Just the Beginning

The proposal is part of an updated master plan for Connecticut that looks to move the state toward large scale renewable energy installations, as opposed to the popular but expensive residential solar installations. Policy makers also want to find a way to continue to fund subsidies for electric cars.

Make Your Voice Heard

Politicians sometimes like to ‘float’ policy ideas like this propane tax to gauge how much pushback they’ll receive from heating oil and propane consumers. So if you don’t want to pay yet another tax, make your voice heard.

The most effective way to act? Tell your local representatives you don’t want to see a tax on your propane or heating oil.

To find your local Assembly member and State Senator you can click here