Oregon Gas Tax Repeal Vote on May 19

Oregon voters will decide on May 19 whether to repeal a state gas tax increase and related fees approved last fall by the Democratic-controlled Legislature, a ballot measure arriving amid nationwide spikes in fuel prices driven by the war in Iran.

The legislation raised Oregon's gas tax from 40 cents to 46 cents per gallon, along with higher payroll taxes for transit projects and increases in vehicle registration and title fees. Lawmakers approved the measures during a special session called by Gov. Tina Kotek to fund road maintenance, snow plowing and other transportation needs. Projections of falling gas tax revenue, as more drivers shift to electric, hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles, prompted the changes to close a budget shortfall.

Republicans quickly mobilized, collecting 250,000 signatures, far exceeding the 78,000 required to place the repeal on the primary ballot. The effort highlights tensions over household costs at a time when gas prices have surged. Nationally, prices topped $4.50 per gallon last Friday, averaging about 80 cents higher per gallon in Oregon due to oil market disruptions from the conflict initiated by Israel and President Donald Trump.