Oregon’s transportation plan supports a healthier state

Safer roads, more options, cleaner air 

(UPDATED: 7/6/17) Oregon Environmental Council commends Oregon leaders for finding common ground and moving forward on a bipartisan, ten-year transportation plan.

Our hats off to Governor Kate Brown, House Speaker Tina Kotek, Senate President Peter Courtney, Senator Lee Beyer, Senator Brian Boquist, Representative Caddy McKeown, and Representative Cliff Bentz for their willingness to collaborate these final days of legislative session.

Passed Thursday, July 6 with standing ovation on the Oregon State Senate floor, House Bill 2017A (HB 2017A) will increase safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers; invest in more affordable transportation options for working families; and ensure that Oregon’s signature clean air protection, the Clean Fuels Standard, continues to reduce pollution.

“This landmark piece of legislation addresses critical needs across the state,” said Andrea Durbin, Executive Director, Oregon Environmental Council. “We thank our state leaders for bringing everyone to the table to draft a solution that will benefit all Oregonians, building healthier communities and a stronger economy.”

“While no package will ever be perfect, this plan reflects core Oregon values,” said Chris Hagerbaumer, Deputy Director, Oregon Environmental Council. “Urban and rural Oregonians deserve modern, connected transportation systems with safe, affordable, healthy options for everyone and this package supports them.”

As proposed, HB 2017-10 will:

  • Make a first-time, statewide, long-term investment in public transit that will get people to work and important community services, focusing on low-income communities in particular.
  • Reaffirm and support Oregon’s Clean Fuels Standard, ensuring Oregon will continue to diversify fuel choices offered to Oregonians, create jobs and clean up our air. In its first year alone, this program has slashed 775,000 tons of carbon–the equivalent of taking 164,000 cars off the road.
  • Build safer communities through expanded walking and biking connections, especially Safe Routes to School.
  • Fund much-needed repairs to our ailing roads and bridges.
  • Accelerate greater adoption of clean electric cars and buses, especially in low-income communities.
  • Improve the quality of life for Oregonians by managing our roads better, reducing congestion and air pollution.

ABOUT #Transport4OR

Oregon Environmental Council is a member of Transportation for Oregon’s Future, a statewide coalition working together for diverse transportation options for Oregon.

For a full list of coalition priorities & partners visit: oeconline.org/transport4OR #transport4OR.

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