Massachusetts considers 'Hummer Tax'

BOSTON - Massachusetts may soon add higher registration fees for gas-guzzling cars and offer discounts to owners of eco-friendly cars, according to the Boston Globe .

The proposed "Hummer tax" would be the first of its kind in the country. It would be based on the emissions of the vehicle.

Not surprisingly, environmentalists think the tax is a great idea. "The social costs of larger vehicles include not only the additional pollution, but also higher crash risks to other vehicles," said Mass. State Representative William Brownsberger.

However, opponents say the tax could penalize families and small businesses who need larger vehicles and are already paying higher fuel prices.

Massachusetts has some of the highest taxes in the country , especially on items such as cigarettes .