Late last month, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its projections on spending and revenue for government programs over the next decade. Included in the report was the financial outlook for the Highway Trust Fund. The Highway Trust Fund is the main source of money used to fund government surface transportation and infrastructure projects. The money in the Highway Trust Fund comes through federal fuel taxes collected on every gallon of gasoline or diesel sold in the U.S.
It is a simple idea, those who use the roads help pay for the roads when they fill up their gas tanks. Unfortunately, the funding system is starting to break down, threatening the ability to maintain our roads, bridges, and infrastructure.
The recent CBO projections show an almost $300 billion shortfall over the next decade. One of the main reasons for the shortfall is that these projections factor in recent emission rules, expected to go into effect over the next 10 years. These rules are intended to push more electric vehicles onto the roads and reducing demand for gasoline by one-third. Less gasoline sold means less revenue for the Highway Trust Fund. Mix that with the increased cost of building and maintaining our transportation network and a storm is brewing.
This funding deficit is another example of the unintended consequences of the attack on the internal combustion engine. At some point, lawmakers will be forced to address the funding gap. Rest assured, when that happens, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation will be there. The MRF will fight to ensure bikers receive fair treatment and our rights defended, regardless of the fix proposed by Congress.
Ride Safe and Ride Free
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