by Miranda Pierson

Created on: July 24, 2010

Governments should not give tax credits for alternative fuel vehicles. When people find something that has worked for an extended period of time, such as the gasoline cars, then it is difficult for them to choose something different. In this case, that would be the alternative fuel vehicles. With the increasing gasoline prices, and the awareness of environmental damage of fossil fuels, alternative fuel vehicles have been developed. Some types of alternative fuel vehicles are more known than others, some people may have even made the transition from a larger vehicle to a smaller vehicle, hybrids are definitely more popular than they used to be, but overall, there has not been a distinctive transition from gasoline cars to alternative fuel vehicles. Although the idea of giving tax credits for alternative fuel vehicles has the potential to increase their popularity and abundance, it will not present the proper message.

People probably do not choose to purchase alternative fuel vehicles because they do not know enough about their operation, their benefits, or the risks that they may have. Some individuals may be unsure of whether or not they will be able to find parts for their alternative fuel vehicle if it breaks. Sometimes, when a car that is not widely manufactured breaks down, it can be impossible to find the necessary parts. Not many alternative fuel vehicles are widely displayed at the car dealerships, and not an abundance of people have alternative fuel vehicles. Therefore, others are not going to be encouraged to buy something that they do not know about, see, or are advised to purchase. 

Alternative fuel vehicles are better for the environment, and are less expensive because they do not need gasoline. If the government gives tax credits for alternative fuel vehicles, then it is presenting the idea that the alternative fuel vehicles are best for the economy, and in turn best for people to have. Many individuals will want tax credits, and will therefore decide to purchase alternative fuel vehicles. 

This idea is great, however, it has a few problems. First of all, giving tax credits demonstrates that it is cheaper own a fuel alternative vehicle, but it does not display anything characteristic about the alternative fuel vehicle. it does not demonstrate how the alternative fuel vehicle is better for the environment. The government is trying to associate economic progress with tax credits, but this is not a consistent message. For example, organic products do not have pesticides, and they are better for people to consume. However, the price of the organic items are always more expensive than the regular items, indirectly forcing people to purchase the more contaminated, but less expensive, regular product. If the government wants to display that one thing is better for the environment, or the economy, or for the people, then it should at least make this concept consistent. Rather than starting a fiasco with tax credits for alternative fuel vehicles, there should be programs that discuss the importance of alternative fuel vehicles. This would at least give the people the proper message that they deserve.

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