Paying by the Mile

Drivers of hybrid and electric cars enjoy lots of benefits. They can feel good that they’re churning out a lot less carbon. Their energy costs are lower. And they don’t have to pay as much as they once did for the state’s roads. That support is paid primarily through the gas tax. When you don’t stop at the pump, you don’t have to pay.

But what’s been good for the environment has been bad for the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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Buckle up for an Oregon driving-tax blowout: Editorial

For Oregonians who care about the cost of driving, the most significant development Tuesday might prove to be the upset of incumbent Republican state Sen. Betsy Close by Democrat Sara Gelser in District 8, which covers parts of Albany and Corvallis. Even before the Senate seat switcheroo, lawmakers were likely to consider a road-funding package during the 2015 session. Now, Oregonians may have to swallow two pieces of legislation that will raise the cost of commuting, shopping and everything else people do with their cars.

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