The problem with Kotek’s environmental executive order

House Republicans Respond to Governor Kotek’s Executive Order that Increases the Cost of Living for Oregonians 

 By Oregon House Republicans,

SALEM, Ore. — Today, House Republicans expressed their disapproval of Governor Kotek’s latest executive order that raises costs and targets 97% of Oregonians that drive gas-powered vehicles – days after she signed her $4.3 billion transportation tax package that raises the gas tax and increases vehicle and DMV fees – while the state’s current “transit electrification” programs are failing.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that the Lane Transit District is tossing out its $30 million taxpayer-funded electric buses due to reliability issues and operational failures, including short-circuiting batteries. In January, Josephine Community Transit took out its fleet of electric buses after one caught fire due to a short-circuiting battery. Further, every electric bus manufacturer for Oregon’s electric buses has seen nationwide recalls due to fire risks from design flaws and short-circuiting batteries.

Findings from Oregon’s own Department of Energy on zero-emission vehicles from its 2025 report include:

• “The upfront cost of ZEVs is a major barrier for low-income Oregonians because new ZEVs are more expensive than comparable gas vehicles.”
• “Low-cost ZEV options are hard to come by, with only one 2024 model priced below $30,000.”
• “Charging infrastructure in Oregon continues to expand, but slower than the national pace.”
• “Oregon will not achieve the state goal of 250,000 registered ZEVs by 2025.”  (State data shows  Oregon met less than half of this goal.)

Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program currently adds 7 to 8 cents per gallon at the pump, according to the Department of Environmental Quality.

“Major changes to Oregon’s energy policy should go through the Legislature — not be pushed through by executive order. Oregonians deserve an open process, bipartisan input, and honest discussion about the real costs,” said House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville). “Right now, families across Oregon are struggling with affordability. Every new executive order or regulation that increases fuel prices hits working families, farmers, and rural communities the hardest. Instead of layering on policies that make daily life more expensive, we should be focused on transparency and practical strategies that reduce emissions without punishing people who rely on their cars for work, school, or medical care.”