Oregon’s Road Tax Revolution: Will Electric Car Owners Pay by the Mile?

Breaking Now News (BNN) – Oregon is accelerating toward a major shift in how drivers pay for road maintenance. As gas tax revenues decline with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), state officials are pushing to expand a per-mile road usage charge—potentially reshaping transportation funding for the future.

Why Oregon is Rethinking Road Taxes

The gas tax, long the backbone of road funding, is running on fumes. More fuel-efficient cars and EVs mean less revenue for infrastructure. Oregon’s solution? A pay-per-mile system where drivers are charged based on distance traveled rather than fuel purchases.

• Current Program: Oregon’s OReGO program, launched in 2015, lets volunteers pay 1.9 cents per mile instead of the gas tax.
• Proposed Expansion: Lawmakers are now discussing making the system mandatory for EVs and hybrid vehicles.
• Revenue Crisis: Oregon estimates a $184 million annual shortfall in transportation funding due to declining gas taxes.

How the Pay-Per-Mile System Works

Participants can choose between several tracking methods:

1. OBD-II Plug-In Device: Connects to a car’s diagnostic port to record miles.
2. Smartphone App: Uses GPS to track mileage (with privacy safeguards).
3. Manual Mileage Reporting: Drivers submit odometer readings.

The Debate Ahead

Supporters argue this is the fairest way to ensure all drivers contribute to road upkeep. Critics, however, raise concerns:

• Privacy Issues: Some oppose GPS tracking, even with anonymized data.
• Rural Impact: Drivers in remote areas may pay more due to longer distances.
• EV Adoption: Could higher costs discourage electric vehicle use?

What’s Next?

Oregon’s legislature is expected to debate the proposal later this year. If passed, the expanded program could launch as early as 2026.

What Do You Think?

• Is charging by the mile fairer than the gas tax, or just another way to squeeze drivers?
• Should EV owners pay more since their cars are heavier and cause more road wear?
• Would you trust the government with your driving data if it meant lower taxes?
• Could this system eventually replace gas taxes entirely, even for traditional cars?

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