Oregon lawmakers urged to move away from gas tax for road funding
Updated
Updated · KATU · May 5
Oregon lawmakers urged to move away from gas tax for road funding
11 articles · Updated · KATU · May 5
In Portland, Tax Foundation expert Adam Hoffer said Oregon's 130,000-plus registered EVs are weakening fuel-tax revenue as Salem Democrats plan for a 2027 funding overhaul.
He pointed to Oregon's OReGO road-usage charge, which becomes mandatory next year for existing EV owners and in 2028 for new EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
ODOT relies on fuel taxes, trucking taxes and vehicle fees, but officials say basic maintenance and operations are increasingly unaffordable, making broader per-mile charges a possible long-term replacement.
Will charging by the mile fix Oregon's roads or unfairly penalize rural drivers with longer commutes?
With mandatory mileage fees coming, how will Oregon track drivers without compromising their privacy?
Oregon’s Transportation Funding Crisis: The $4 Billion Measure 120 Referendum and the Move Toward Per-Mile Road Charges
Overview
Oregonians face a crucial choice on May 19, 2026, as Measure 120 appears on the ballot. This pivotal referendum lets voters directly affirm or reject a legislative decision about how the state funds its transportation infrastructure. At the heart of Measure 120 is the public’s power to challenge or overturn parts of House Bill 3991, which proposes increases to gas taxes, vehicle registration and title fees, and the transit payroll tax. Through this process, citizens have the final say on significant policy changes that will shape Oregon’s transportation funding for years to come.