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HD 1665

An Act to adjust the airplane fuel taxes to support mode shift

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Ciccolo

Massachusetts bill raising airplane fuel taxes to discourage air travel and shift passengers toward alternative transportation modes for climate goals.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 1665

Legislative bill overview

HD 1665 proposes to adjust Massachusetts's airplane fuel taxes with the stated goal of encouraging a shift away from air travel toward other transportation modes. The bill aims to use tax policy as a mechanism to influence consumer and business transportation choices by making aviation less economically competitive relative to alternatives like rail or bus travel.

Why is this important

Reducing air travel demand could lower aviation's contribution to carbon emissions and climate change, as flights produce significant greenhouse gases per passenger. However, this approach directly affects operational costs for airlines, ticket prices for consumers, and economic activity in aviation-dependent regions, with potential ripple effects throughout the economy.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Higher fuel taxes could be passed to consumers via ticket price increases, disproportionately affecting lower-income travelers and rural residents with limited transportation alternatives
  • Economic competitiveness: Increased costs for Massachusetts-based airlines and airports may disadvantage them against competitors in neighboring states with lower taxes
  • Effectiveness question: Whether tax adjustments alone will meaningfully shift transportation behavior or simply reduce air travel volume without corresponding growth in public transit infrastructure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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