Vermont Fuel Taxes Heading Higher

Lawmakers in Vermont have given final approval to legislation increasing the state diesel and gasoline taxes.

The measure, which is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Peter Shumlin, raises the diesel tax by 2 cents per gallon in July and another penny next year while gasoline tax would increases by 5.9 cents per gallon in May.

The governor and other supporters say the money is needed so the state does not lose out on more than $50 million dollars in matching federal highway funding money.

At one time lawmakers would looking to increase the taxes slightly more than they voted for, but opposition to the increase slightly reined in such plans.

Among those opposing the diesel tax hike is the Vermont Truck and Bus Association.