For immediate release: Oregon transportation bill wins on safety, falls short on vehicle electrification and off-street trails
SALEM, Ore. -- After months of advocacy and public engagement, Oregon lawmakers released the text of House Bill 2025, also known as the Transportation ReInvestment Package (TRIP). The Move Oregon Forward coalition and communities across the state are now reviewing the base bill and preparing to respond as additional amendments and proposals emerge. The early assessment is the TRIP bill has made significant progress related to safety and an equitable funding plan, but more is needed to modernize and electrify our transportation system, trails have been left out of the bill, and there remains a large gap in accountability.
“The Move Oregon Forward campaign is excited to see the progress made in the transportation package. It is a testament to the efforts of so many community members who came together to ensure we have a safe, clean, affordable transportation package,” said Indi Namkoong, Transportation Coordinator at Verde. “But our work isn’t done. We need to keep pushing to make sure electrification and off-street paths aren’t left behind.”
Safety First:
The bill includes significant funding for popular street safety programs demanded by Oregonians, including Safe Routes to School ($50 million bi-annually) and Great Streets ($250 million bi-annually). However, funding for off-street networks and trails, which connect Oregonians to schools, work, and transit, are currently missing and are raising concerns among advocates.
“We’re grateful lawmakers saw the urgent need and funded significant improvements to dangerous roadways through our communities. These historic investments in street safety programs like Safe Routes to School and Great Streets will save lives and bring our main streets back to life across the state,” Sarah Iannarone, Executive Director, The Street Trust.
“Despite overwhelming demand and broad public support, off-street trails continue to be left behind in Oregon’s transportation funding,” said Steph Noll, Director of the Oregon Trails Coalition. “The Oregon Community Paths program is critical for safety, access, and rural mobility, yet remains severely underfunded. Lawmakers must make sure it’s part of this transportation package.”
Fair and Sustainable Funding
The Transportation ReInvestment Package (TRIP) provides creative and equitable solutions to ensure that Oregon’s transportation needs are fully met. The package introduced a vehicle sales tax to be in alignment with how every other state funds transportation. Lawmakers minimized a regressive gas tax that would especially harm low-income and working Oregonians.
“Lawmakers faced a tough challenge in making sure public transit is fully funded. This bill avoids major service cuts, and that’s a big win,” said Cassie Wilson, Transportation Policy Manager at 1000 Friends of Oregon. “There’s still more to do, but we commend legislators for recognizing the importance of public transit and making sure the money matches the mission.”
Climate Forward
The TRIP bill leaves out dedicated funding for transportation electrification and does not support the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission’s adopted goal of ensuring all new vehicles sold in the state are zero-emissions by 2035. Without funding for things like charging stations, electric school and transit buses, and fair access to electric vehicles, Oregon could fall short of its climate and public health goals. At the same time, the coalition is encouraged to see that a cap-and-pave-style mechanism for funding is not included in the bill, which matches longstanding concerns about fairness and effectiveness.
“Oregon should be accelerating electrification, especially in light of recent delays to the Advanced Clean Truck Program,” said Kristopher Fortin Grijalva, Transportation Program Director at Oregon Environmental Council. “After spending a year calling for meaningful investments, we're shocked that this bill punishes electric vehicle (EV) drivers with new fees and offers no meaningful funding for electrification. We believe EV drivers should pay their fair share, but it shouldn’t cost MORE to drive an EV than fossil-fueled vehicles.”
Accountability and Transparency
Following a billion-dollar budget error at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), lawmakers are beginning to tie new funding for the agency to measures that improve accountability. This bill expands the legislature's role in oversight of major highway projects and launches an external audit of ODOT. Advocates are calling on legislators to remain committed to broader oversight of ODOT's system-wide performance on goals like safety, climate, and transparency, ensuring that public dollars are used effectively and in the public interest in this package and in future transportation funding decisions.
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About Move Oregon Forward: Move Oregon Forward is powered by transportation, climate, and environmental justice organizations across the state. Our steering committee includes 1000 Friends of Oregon, Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation, Climate Solutions, Oregon Environmental Council, Oregon Just Transition Alliance, Oregon Trails Coalition, Oregon Walks, The Street Trust, and Verde.
Media contact: Ally Harris | media@ojta.org | (503) 208-4180
