By Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation
Oregon not only has the nation’s fourth highest gas price at $4.13 and by comparison there are 23 states that pay under $2.99.
- Oregon has two different high gas taxes. Oregon has high gas prices because we have the nation’s 12th-highest state gas tax (40-cents). Oregon also has a “hidden” gas tax, called the Oregon Clean Fuel Standard. This mandate requires fuel providers sell a higher ethanol-blend of gasoline, which is both more expensive and more damaging to vehicles. This Clean Fuel Standard can artificially raise the cost of gas from 5 to 35 cents. The tax is hidden so the public blames gas stations (and not politicians) for high gas prices. (Tax Foundation 2025/Mackinac Center 9/18/24)
- ODOT is seeking new $100,000 work-from-home jobs. While Oregon’s Department of Transportation (ODOT) claims it is out of money, it is simultaneously announcing multiple job openings that pay more than $100,000 each and can be worked from home.
- ODOT gives away free $3 million. ODOT has just announced that it has $3 million to give away to anyone who will build electric vehicle charging stations. This comes as ODOT says they are broke. ODOT states that they can’t repair dangerous roads and snowplow hazard areas within the current budget. This $3 million grant primarily benefits the wealthiest Oregonians, as only 3% of Oregonians own an electric vehicle, at an average cost of $60,000. Simply put, the high gas tax you are paying is being wasted on subsidizing the luxury lifestyle of Oregon’s rich and famous.
- $61 million to study and promote tolling. ODOT has spent $61 million of taxpayer dollars studying tolling and attempting to sell it to the public. ODOT even spent money on full-page ads trying to promote tolling. Our gas tax dollars should not be used to lobby the public with advertising in order to raise more taxes. That’s wrong. (OPB, 3/12/24)
- Paying people not to drive. Portland uses tax dollars to pay people $50 not to drive. All you have to do is show up at a designated city tent on their appointed transit day, and say you didn’t drive today. You’ll receive a free $50 voucher.