Reusable BagsWe`ve gone all eco-friendly in our household as concerns about the planet`s welfare have pricked our minds. Instead of using plastic bags when we go to the supermarket we take our own type of
Reusable Bags. In the bad old days we would think nothing about cramming our groceries into tons of plastic bags. When we returned home and emptied the bags in the kitchen the chances are they would be thrown away into the bin. Talk about wasteful and this should never have happened because good quality
Reusable Bags are much better ideas. The only obstacle we had to get over was to remember to take the bags to the supermarket in the first place. This problem was soon remedied because we decided to leave the bags in the boot of our car ready to be used at the next grocery shop. If only more people could see themselves shopping with these bags there wouldn`t be millions of plastic bags on landfill sites taking ages to rot away. It`s not difficult to reach into the boot of the car to take out
Reusable Bags at the local grocery store. Even folks who don`t drive can use these bags as they are easy to carry. I`m glad we have become a little more eco-friendly in our household and have started using the
Reusable Bags.
Obviously, the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina has had a major impact on fuel supplies. The IRS is temporarily waiving regulations that ban the sale of certain diesel fuels to address shortages.
Dyed Diesel Fuel No Longer Banned
Diesel fuel comes in two general forms, clear and dyed. Dyed diesel is not environment friendly. Under laws passed by Congress, the IRS effectively bans the sale of dyed diesel fuel for use on highways. Put another way, the trucking industry must use clear diesel for transports.
In the wake of serious fuel shortage issues caused by Hurricane Katrina, the IRS is immediately waiving the tax penalties applicable to the use of dyed diesel on highways. This surprisingly quick policy decision is a reflection of exploding fuel prices and a stark lack of supply.
The order issued by the Commissioner of the IRS is only effective until September 15, 2005 at this time. It is anticipated that the Commissioner will extend this time period since it is clear the fuel issues will not be overcome by the deadline.
While the penalties associated with dyed diesel are waived, the IRS has chosen to keep a basic diesel fuel tax in place. All sales of dyed diesel fuel are subject to a 24.4 cent tax per gallon. Either the retailer or purchaser can pay. The IRS, however, has indicated that it will waive any penalties and interest assessments associated with failure to make bi-weekly deposits of the tax. In addition, users of dyed diesel fuel need not concern themselves with any EPA restrictions related to its use during this temporary waiver.
In Closing
Typically criticized for reacting slowly, the IRS should be commended for taking quick steps to free up fuel from a tax perspective. To support the trucking industry, let us hope the deadlines are extended well past September 15, 2005.
