Nation IN BRIEF : MARYLAND : Gas Guzzlers, Economy Cars Get New Tax Rates

Maryland lawmakers in Annapolis slapped an extra tax on gas-guzzling cars and gave a tax credit on cars that get good gasoline mileage. It is believed to be the first state in the nation to approve such measures. The legislators also voted to raise the state gasoline tax by a nickel a gallon as part of $120 million in new funding for transportation projects. Gov. William Donald Schaefer later signed the bill. For the first two years, it would add $100 to the tax on cars getting less than 27 miles per gallon. It would reduce the tax by $50 on cars getting more than 34 m.p.g.