Readers respond: Legislators must address climate with transportation
With the Republican majority in Congress blocking meaningful climate action and more, the states must take the lead. Yet Oregon’s 2025 legislative session, which ended June 27, failed to do its part. Despite Democratic majorities in both houses, the opportunity to move Oregon forward on behalf of the environment was lost.
The pro-climate transportation package—still not passed—was weakened. Other priorities also fell short: the modest lodging tax that would have supported wildlife conservation, and the Protecting Our Water Bill, which would have closed a regulatory loophole threatening water quality, stream flows and wildlife.
Now the Legislature will soon return to Salem to salvage what it can of the transportation package, (“Gov. Tina Kotek unveils transportation funding plan for special session to maintain services, avoid layoffs,” July 23). But even if passed, it will not be the comprehensive plan Oregon needs. That makes it all the more essential for lawmakers to resume serious discussions on transportation investments and climate policy in future sessions.
Oregon has long prided itself on being a leader in environmental protection. It’s time to live up to that legacy. Oregon can — and must — do better.
Sherry Hall, Portland
To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion.
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