BY JAKE NEHER
Michigan Public Radio Network
Michiganders who drive electric or alternative fuel vehicles would have to pay a new fee under a plan in the state House.
At least one lawmaker said those drivers are not paying their fair share for road maintenance and construction.
People who drive hybrids or cars that run on alternative fuels don't pay as much in fuel taxes, which are used to pay for roads.
Republican state Representative Mike Shirkey said charging those drivers a fee would make the state less dependent on declining fossil fuel sales to maintain its infrastructure.
"That doesn't mean it's going to go away in the next two days, two years, or twenty years, but it will go away. This just provides us an opportunity to have that conversation."
Governor Rick Snyder said he wants to encourage people to drive more fuel efficient vehicles, and is not convinced a fee on electric cars is a good idea.
Copyright 2013, MPRN