Gov. Tom Wolf’s idea to form a commission to solve the problem of paying for our roads could be a workable solution (”Gov. Wolf seeks to phase out Pennsylvania’s gas tax,” March 12, TribLIVE). Here’s an idea for the commission: Instead of proposing a new tax, Wolf’s favorite idea, how about ways to cut spending?
The Legislature could sacrifice its huge savings account, currently just lying there collecting dust, and use it to convert all state vehicles to natural gas. Pennsylvania has a lot of natural gas! All public transportation would also convert to natural gas too, even Philadelphia, which acts like a state of its own.
Vogel Disposal Service in Mars already has converted its vehicles to natural gas to save money and help the environment and installed its own natural gas station, which is open to the public. Vogel owners should be on this commission. This would also fit in with President Biden’s push for cleaner alternatives to gasoline. Natural gas is cleaner, cheaper and a win-win for the climate.
Our Pennsylvania natural gas providers would profit, leading to additional income tax revenue. There would surely be a federal grant for such a noble project that is in line with Biden’s objectives.
Gayle Wittmann
Franklin Township, Beaver County