SUV Penalty Bill Unfair to Maryland Families, Farmers, Boaters, Equestrians, and Others

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2005 -- A Maryland bill that would impose an unfair and extortive tax on owners of large SUVs would only succeed in punishing families, farmers, boaters, equestrians, and others who rely on the utility and safety offered by the popular vehicle.

Under a bill introduced by Maryland Delegate William A. Bronrott, owners of larger vehicles would have to pay a surcharge of $750 each year on top of the registration fee already required by the State of Maryland. A hearing on the bill was held today by the Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee. If passed, it would go into effect in October.

"Larger vehicles have lower fatality rates, and SUVs, especially the larger ones, have the best overall safety records," said Ron DeFore, president of SUV Owners of America. "That's why many families choose to drive SUVs. So why does Maryland want to punish them? This tax would place an unfair burden on many families, and others who may not be able to afford the additional tax and be forced into smaller vehicles that they don't want to drive. We urge Maryland legislators from outside the Washington, DC suburbs representing farming, boating, and other 'real-world' pursuits to vote nay on this irresponsible bill."

SUV Owners of America is a fully independent, non-profit organization with more than 23,000 supporters, representing the interests of 25 million SUV owners nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.suvoa.com/.