New Hampshire drivers are one step closer to seeing increased gas and fuel taxes. H.B. 617, sponsored by Rep. David Campbell, would gradually raise the tax from 18 cents to 23 cents over the next four years for regular fuel and six years for diesel, the Eagle Tribune reported.
Following a two-hour debate, the bill passed 207 to 163 in the House.
Campbell says the revenue generated from the tax would help repair New Hampshire’s “infrastructure crisis getting worse by the year.”
The Eagle Tribune reported, “The tax increase also would fund completion of the Interstate 93 widening, which is why the Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce supports it, Campbell said.”
While many agreed the added revenue is necessary, Rep. Steve Vaillancourt said the drastic increase is an overshot.
“An 83 percent increase in any tax should be beyond the realm of any consideration here,” Vaillancourt said.
If passed, this would be the first fuel tax increase for the state in 22 years.
The bill will now move on to the Senate for consideration.