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Those who live outside of the US, what's something Americans aren't ready to hear? (lemmy.world)
submitted 2 years ago by to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world
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[–] 74 points 2 years ago (2 children)

The fuel tax isn't enough to cover the damage to the environment and quality of life, though. That's why taxes are that high in many other places. Same way cigarettes are taxed to help discourage use and to help cover the increased healthcare costs it puts on everyone

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  • [–] 3 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    Fuel, and other car-related taxes (sometimes based on horsepower or engine displacement) in most countries in Europe were much higher than in the USA long before there was widespread concern about the environmental impact of cars.

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  • [–] 14 points 2 years ago*

    Which is why I said "environment and quality of life" - they don't want their cities dominated by cars (making life dangerous for pedestrians) and for cars to become a requirement for living. So taxes are added to discourage (not eliminate) driving and car ownership

    But also, the mess of smog from exhaust and other impacts beyond climate change have been known since the first automobiles. Concerns about the 'environment' is more than greenhouse gasses.

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