February 18, 2022 4:00 a.m.

Two Oregon House Republicans testified before the Washington Legislature on Thursday, in opposition to an “exported fuel tax” proposal from Washington Democrats to levy a new tax on 90 percent of Oregon’s transportation fuel.

State Representatives David Brock Smith of Port Orford and Shelly Boshart Davis of Albany, addressed the House Transportation Committee. Brock Smith represents portions of Douglas County.

Brock Smith said “This effort really highlights poor policymaking in Washington. The Washington Legislature set goals and approved transportation projects they couldn’t afford. Instead of doing a better job with writing public policy, they’re going to ask my residents to pay for the roads when they have never nor will ever use them”.

Boshart Davis said “This is an offensive proposal that would force Oregonians to pay for Washington’s infrastructure projects”. She said she could not stand by and watch, “…as the hardworking people of Oregon are hit with an unfair and unjust tax with zero representation”. Boshart Davis said Oregon has its own infrastructure needs and its residents should not pay for Washington’s.

Oregon Public Broadcasting reported that the new tax would be on gasoline and diesel fuel that is bound for Oregon. Some Oregon law makers have questioned the constitutionality of the proposal. Federal officials have said that more than 90 percent of the gasoline and diesel that Oregon drivers use, comes from refineries along Washington’s Puget Sound.

If approved, the legislation would take effect in February of 2023.