A 2025 Stalled Transportation Package Sets Power In Motion
It was a shock to many. The 2025 legislative session came and went without a transportation package. Across the state, Oregonians are frustrated by the outcome knowing that many of our state’s transportation needs will go unmet or be scaled back. In response, Governor Kotek just announced a special session to address transportation funding, but the picture to resolving these issues long-term is even more opaque than before.
The fight for a just and transportation package is far from over. Luckily we’re not alone.
One of the brightest spots in this year’s legislative session was the power that was built with Move Oregon Forward. As one of the founding members of this coalition, it was important to build a base of support representative of the state’s diversity – across identities and issues. When the session ended, more than 50 safety, climate, land use, environmental justice, and place-based organizations joined our call for a transportation system that is safety first, climate forward, fair and sustainable, and accountable.
The proof, as they say, is in the pudding:
- During the legislature’s transportation listening tour last summer, Move Oregon Forward attended every single tour stop, cataloging the more than 760 written submissions and 350 oral testimonies. From this, the coalition created a report detailing the more than 1,160 Oregonians who vocalized support for a future that is walkable, bikeable, and public transportation-centered.
- Twenty-four Move Oregon Forward members and allies were recruited to serve on the legislature’s transportation package work groups from October ‘24 to January ‘25.
- In April, 100+ Oregonians rallied with the coalition in Salem and met directly with their legislators.
- Attacks on the Advanced Clean Trucks rule and the Climate Protection Program were successfully blocked, keeping both programs in place, though with the former being partially delayed.
- Dozens were recruited and prepped to testify at hearings in support of the HB 2025 transportation package -23 amendment, which was an updated version that would have maintained historic funding for safety improvements and stabilized transit services.
- In less than 24 hours, the coalition marshaled dozens more to successfully oppose HB 3402 – a poorly-drafted transportation stop gap bill that ultimately failed.
- Coalition staff participated in bi-weekly meetings with the Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation, Representative Susan McLain and Senator Chris Gorsek, to provide feedback on the package.
- Move Oregon Forward also partnered with Oregon Transit Association and Labor groups on mutual asks to the legislature.
It took countless hours and the right people leading this charge to bring Oregonians out and claim our seat at the table. Founding members of the coalition—OEC, Verde, Climate Solutions, Oregon Walks, The Street Trust, 1000 Friends of Oregon, Oregon Trails Coalition, Oregon Just Transition Alliance, and Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation—all contributed significant staff time and resources. Together, we cultivated advocates, analyzed and crafted policies, lobbied elected officials, and helped bring clarity to reporting covering the fracas in Salem. The result of our efforts brought thousands of Oregonians into the discussion.
Though the transportation package never materialized, the work continues. A special session is now on the horizon to address layoffs and service cuts at the Oregon Department of Transportation, cities and counties, and public transit operators. We’re already at the table working with the governor’s office and legislative leadership on a clear path ahead. We’ll continue to fight for safe streets, healthier air, fair and sustainable funding solutions, and a just and accountable transportation system for as long as it takes.
We’ve arrived at this moment with more collective power, and a hardened resolve to make our vision a reality. To all of you who showed up, spoke out, or supported this important work in any way, you have our thanks. It’s only possible with all of us.
OEC has been Oregon’s political voice for the environment since 1968. Explore our work at oeconline.org/policy.
Mixed Results on Climate in 2025: Energy Affordability Advances While Climate Action Stalls
9
Cuts to PFAS, Plastic Bags and Pesticides: 2025 Session Wins
9
9
9
Make Earth Month Count in 2025
9
Special Session Update: The Path Ahead for Transportation
0
Tell Lawmakers to Fund a Transportation Package For ALL Oregonians
0
Move Oregon Forward: A Coalition and Vision for Our Transportation Future
0
Join Us This Summer at the Transportation Roadshow!
0
