Oregon Lawmakers Negotiate Cap-and-Trade Transportation Funding Amid Partisan Splits

Oregon lawmakers are actively working on a major transportation funding package with divergent proposals emerging from Democrats and Republicans. Democrats are considering a new market-based cap-and-trade program to replace the existing Climate Protection Program, aiming to reduce carbon emissions while generating revenue to fund road and bridge maintenance, though concerns remain about the feasibility of implementing such a system within the current legislative session. The Democratic proposal also includes increased gas taxes and vehicle fees designed to raise approximately $1.9 billion per biennium, with ongoing negotiations aiming for bipartisan support. Meanwhile, Republicans have proposed a transportation plan that avoids tax hikes by cutting $184 million in funding for bike and pedestrian safety, public transit, and electric vehicle infrastructure, focusing instead on direct road and bridge funding. This GOP plan faces opposition from Democrats and some Republicans involved in bipartisan negotiations. Both sides emphasize the need to address Oregon Department of Transportation's significant funding shortfall and infrastructure maintenance challenges, with legislative leaders signaling continued discussion and forthcoming details.