The gas tax would be predictable, which Sweeney said he believes will result in people factoring the rising gas prices into their decision-making. The next time they buy a car or change jobs, they will consider how much driving they’re doing and how much gas will cost.

He said that predictably rising gas prices will be easier for low-income Californians to deal with than the current erratic and unpredictable spikes and dips in prices. Reinvesting that money in public transportation or state income tax breaks for the lowest income residents would also alleviate some of the draw backs of a program like this.

Sweeney also noted a recommendation in the report that insurance companies reward drivers for driving less with breaks on the premiums.

This report has been forwarded to state lawmakers with the expectation that the recommendations from this nonpartisan group of specialists and notable professionals across a number of different industrial and political backgrounds will be taken seriously.

“One thing is clear,” Sweeney said. “Doing nothing is not a good and viable option for California.”

Image courtesy of Webinquiry.org.