HB 3297 Per-mile road usage charge

This bill imposes mandatory per-mile road usage charge for registered owners and lessees of passenger vehicles of model year 2028 or later that have rating of 30 miles per gallon or greater, beginning July 1, 2027, and then of passenger vehicles of model year 2036 or later that have rating of 20 miles per gallon or greater, beginning July 1, 2035. Repeals voluntary per-mile road usage charge on July 1, 2030. Allows annual fee in lieu of mandatory per-mile road usage charge. Provides that vehicles otherwise exempted from certain state registration fees remain liable for registration fees imposed by district or county. Requires Department of Transportation to submit three biennial reports to Road User Fee Task Force about development and implementation of mandatory per-mile road usage charge, presenting findings of studies to consider certain technical issues and policy goals. Requires department to seek federal funding to better understand interaction of per-mile road usage charges and impact on environment of motor vehicle usage.

We all know the purpose is to promote electric cars, but it is electric cars that is causing the revenue decrease from gasoline sales, which you really want to replace, not to mention the added pollution in battery production.

HB 3297 also is a conflict with Oregon’s stated environmental goals by an unauthorized tax on people who try to do the right thing and use less fossil fuel, thereby reducing dependence on foreign imported petroleum, reducing air pollution.