Strife abounds when discussion turns to gas tax and clean fuel requirements in Salem.
BY JACOB PALMER | DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR
Both sides of the aisle in the Oregon Legislature agree that upgrading the state’s infrastructure is a priority.
How to get there, however, is not as easy to establish.
The Statesman Journal reported on the early impasse:
Republicans said the plan won’t get their votes if Democrats also push a bill that sets limits on how much carbon can be in fuel sold in Oregon.
Democratic leaders insisted the two [gas tax and carbon-limit] bills are not connected, but House Republican Leader Mike McLane said both will raise the price of gasoline and will therefore be connected in the minds of voters.
The Bend Bulletin expanded on Republican lawmakers’ concerns with the transportation package.
“Oregonians are going to be asked to pay real money for what is essentially a symbolic contribution to the issue of global warming,” said Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli, R-John Day. “I’m not saying these issues are linked. I’m just saying you can’t have everything you want.”
Senate and House Democrats worked to separate the transportation package from the state’s goal of lowering greenhouse gas emissions from fuels by 10 percent over a decade; the goal is set to sunset at the end of this year.
Read Oregon Business’ in-depth analysis of a potential carbon tax in Oregon here.
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