Taxing Pavement Damage.

Chafee bill would charge heavy, high-mileage trucks that studies blame for damage to highways

A national weight-distance tax for big trucks has been proposed by Sen. John Chafee, R-R.I., but its prospects are considered poor. The measure, which would increase substantially road-use charges paid by heavy, high-mileage trucks, has no co-sponsors and no hearings on it are scheduled.

Chafee's Highway Tax Equalization and Simplification Act would substitute a weight-distance fee for three current truck taxes and reduce a fourth. The current federal diesel-fuel tax would be reduced by six cents per gallon to 18.3 cents. Eliminated would be the 12 percent sales tax on new trucks, the tire tax and a heavy vehicle registration fee. Truckers also would see an …