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Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, June 25, 2025 -- SEVEN HB 2025 divides Oregon Is the state taxing its way to better roads or burdening the public? By Andrea Di Salvo Oregon’s legislature is moving forward with House Bill 2025, a sweep- ing transportation measure that could reshape how drivers across the state pay for road maintenance and infrastructure. The bill still sits in committee, where it has already seen significant backlash. The measure is part of a broader push to modernize Oregon’s transportation funding model as tradition- al gas tax revenues decline. The bill, currently un- der review by the Joint Transportation Committee, proposes expanding fuel-re- lated fees and introducing a new per-mile road usage charge, particularly target- ing electric vehicles (EVs). While specific dollar amounts weren’t set forth in the 175-page draft, Ryann Gleason of CFM Advocates told the Port of Morrow Commission at a recent meeting that Democrats “let slip” that revenue from the bill would be about a billion dollars a year. The money would fund repairs and upgrades to Oregon’s highways, bridges and pub- lic transit systems. At the heart of the bill is a transition toward a ve- hicle miles traveled (VMT) system, where drivers— particularly those with elec- tric and fuel-efficient vehi- cles—would begin paying based on the number of miles they drive rather than the amount of fuel they consume. This change is set to begin on July 1, 2026, for certain EV owners, with optional flat annual fees offered as an alternative in the early stages. Also included in the package is a 15-cent in- crease in Oregon’s gas tax. Gleason said the increase would come in stages—10 cents in 2026 and another five cents in 2028. While the state already has a vehicle transfer fee for new vehicles, HB 2025 will likely implement a similar fee for used vehicles. The bill will also au- thorize performance audits of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to ensure efficient use of funds and create a new oversight mechanism for how infrastructure dollars are allocated. Proponents argue the bill levels the playing field between gas-powered and electric vehicles, ensuring all drivers contribute fairly to the upkeep of public roadways. The League of Oregon Cities (LOC) says that pass- ing a “multimodal, robust transportation package” was a high priority for its 241 member cities. The organization says HB 2025 fits the bill. “In the years ahead, the collective cost of invest- ment in Oregon’s statewide transportation system will only go up. If the Legisla- ture does not pass a trans- portation package this year, communities across the state can expect more pot- holes, reduced road safety for citizens, and less ability to respond to the challenges of maintaining transporta- tion infrastructure in their communities,” said an LOC statement. “The time to respond to transportation investment is now.” Irrigon City Manager Aaron Palmquist agreed. “As a small city, the city of Irrigon has and will continue to benefit from improved public transit, consistent funding for the SCA (Small City Allotment program), and ongoing funding for maintenance and operations,” said Palm- quist. “Maintaining the distribution of state high- way revenue to all cities is critical for ensuring small cities can invest in local streets.” Not everyone is in fa- vor of the bill, which would hit rural communities espe- cially hard. During a series of public hearings held between June 10 and 12, more than 750 comments were submitted. Opposition outpaced support by ap- proximately two to one on the first day, with many cit- izens expressing concerns about privacy, fairness and the rising cost of vehicle ownership. Critics—ranging from everyday drivers to or- ganized advocacy groups like the Oregon Citizens Lobby—argue the bill dis- proportionately affects rural residents and low-income families who rely heavily on driving long distances. “This is just another tax increase disguised as innovation,” one resident testified. “People in rural areas will be punished sim- ply for living far from urban centers.” Privacy concerns have also been raised regarding how vehicle miles would be tracked and reported. While the bill allows for a flat fee alternative, opponents fear the VMT system could open the door to increased government surveillance. HB 2025 passed out of the Transportation Rein- vestment Committee on a party line vote. As of this writing, the bill remains under active review by the Joint Transportation Committee, where law- makers are considering amendments and preparing for a formal vote. If the bill advances, it would go to the full House and Senate for debate. Final passage would require a signature from Governor Tina Kotek, who has so far expressed cau- tious support for innovative infrastructure solutions. The work session and vote schedule will be an- nounced in the coming weeks. Until then, HB 2025 remains one of the most closely watched—and de- bated—bills of the 2025 legislative session. Taylor retires from Port -Continued from PAGE ONE few dollars left over than be trying to figure out how to find additional dollars.” Smith also said Umatil- la County was asking “more and more questions” about the property line adjustment on the Umatilla County side of the line. The neigh- boring county has most re- cently asked for additional monuments placed on the property. “Barring any additional requirements from Umatilla County, this should be our last step in the application process,” said Smith. The property line ad- justment, which will turn 419 acres over to the Con- federated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reserva- tion, is a requirement with the base realignment and closure team. There continues to be an ongoing legal question between Irrigon and Board- man fire departments, both of whom want to be the primary emergency service provider on the Morrow County portion of CDA property. Smith said the consensus was to allow things to be settled through legal channels. “So as director of the CDA, I’m stepping back and seeing if those two par- ties can reach resolution,” he said. Morrow County has also stepped out of the dispute for the moment, waiting to see what resolu- tion can be reached between the two fire departments. Smith also told the Port commissioners that the CDA spent just over $94,000 in the last year complying with public re- cords requests. “This came as policy from the board that they wanted public records pro- vided free of charge,” he said. “So now we’re work- ing with our legal counsel to see if there’s a better way to do this to save those types of resources.” In an interesting side note, Smith said the CDA has been receiving informa- tion requests from members of the film industry, includ- ing a firm that is interested in leasing several of the old Army igloos for filming. Finally, he said Uma- tilla County’s litigation against other members of the CDA is ongoing, though he believed Umatilla Coun- ty and the POM were close to an agreement. As far as the CDA was concerned, though, he said there was WWW.HEPPNER.NET Submit News, Advertising & Announcements Letters To The Editor Send Us Photos Start A New Subscription Lunch & Dinner Menu 6/26 - 7/2 Thursday - Cali burger with watermelon Friday - Tuna melt with coleslaw Saturday Grilled chicken guacamole salad Sunday - Closed Monday - chili dog with chili cheese fries Tuesday - BLT with turkey and side of pasta salad Tuesday Night 6-9pm $2 hard shell tacos Wednesday - Philly steak salad Stories that meet you where you live. YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! Call 541-676- 9228 Or Email Some of the most important stories in the Pacific Northwest are happening right in your backyard. Despite decades of effort, and a state of emergency declaration in 2022, Morrow County’s nitrate contamination in groundwater remains unresolved. OPB’s Antonio Sierra examined both sides of the debate around a bill that would attempt to rework the Oregon Groundwater Quality Protection Act. graphics@rapidserve.net Heppner Ga zette-Times Sykes Printing concern about who would be responsible for the legal fees. “I’ve directed our legal counsel to take the position that Umatilla County needs to reimburse the CDA,” Smith said, adding that he could not speak for the other parties involved. At the end of the meet- ing, the commission held executive sessions to dis- cuss real property trans- actions, consult with legal counsel regarding current or potential litigation, and to review employment-re- lated performance of the CEO. After returning to open session, the board selected Taylor and commissioner Rick Stokoe to negotiate a compensation package with CEO Lisa Mittelsdorf. Learn more about Morrow County groundwater pollution at opb.org/groundwater.
