Each new General Assembly session is bound to bring its fair share of surprises. Chief among this year’s list was the truly shocking (and downright absurd) proposed $100 annual tax on hybrid and electric vehicles. I literally laughed out loud when I first heard of this proposal last November. The tax was heavily debated but ultimately became buried within an enormous transformation reform bill that narrowly passed both the House and Senate. The bill now sits on Gov. McDonnell’s desk. I, along with 1,136 of you, urge the governor to veto this poorly contrived component of the bill.

Within the next few days, the governor could very well sign this bill into law. By doing so, he sends the entirely wrong message. Most people can agree that conserving fuel is a good thing. It’s a good thing to encourage less consumption of fuel and reduce our reliance on foreign oil. It’s a good thing to encourage less burning of devastating climate change pollutants. The hybrid tax is a tax on well-doing – advocating for its passage is an assault on common sense. We should encourage responsible behavior, not arbitrarily punish it with a sweeping tax on “hybrid” vehicles.

The governor could also make a different choice. Rather than signing this ill-conceived bill into law, he can “amend” certain portions – strike them out – whereby the bill will be sent back to the General Assembly for further deliberations. This “line item veto” (or more technically accurate, a line item amendment) can be used to strike this portion of the transportation package. McDonnell has an opportunity to show real leadership on this issue.

So today, we delivered 1,136 names and comments to the governor’s office urging him to oppose the hybrid tax. Conservation should be encouraged, not punished. I know I’m not alone in my thinking. I have at least 1,136 people behind me.