Readers respond: Don’t let Oregon’s climate progress stall

Transportation is Oregon’s largest source of climate pollution. At the same time, the sector also offers powerful tools to create a cleaner, more equitable and economically resilient future. Unfortunately, the Legislature’s proposed transportation package shortchanges the very strategies we know cut pollution, save families money and create good-paying jobs.

As two former Oregon legislators who spent much of our public service careers fighting for climate action, clean air and environmental justice, we are watching the development of the Legislature’s 2025 Transportation Package with hope – but also growing concern, (“

Oregon Democrats set near-final tax proposals for major transportation package

,” June 6).

This latest package makes solid investments in safer roads and public transit to help cut pollution, but it still doesn’t go far enough. A lack of investments in clean air programs will simply keep the most polluting trucks on our roads.

Oregon already has successful transportation programs to cut pollution – they just need more funding: the Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Incentive Fund, community charging grants, and electrification initiatives that prioritize the communities hit hardest by pollution. This package leaves those proven tools on the cutting room floor.

Clean transportation investments aren’t just about climate targets and cutting pollution. These programs create economic opportunity and jobs in growing sectors like electric vehicle infrastructure, battery technology, and public transportation.

Oregonians want cleaner air, safer streets, more affordable options, and good jobs in a growing clean economy. This Legislature has the opportunity – and the obligation – to get this right. Let’s not let short-term thinking jeopardize decades of progress.

Jackie Dingfelder, Bend and Michael Dembrow, Portland

Dingfelder served in the Oregon Legislature from 2001-2013 and chaired House and Senate Environment Committees. Dembrow served in the Oregon Legislature from 2009-2024 and chaired the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee. He also co-chairs the Oregon Environmental Restoration Council.

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