SALEM, Ore. — Legislative Republicans are threatening to block a proposed transportation package if Democrats move forward with legislation aimed at combating greenhouse gases.
Senate President Peter Courtney said Tuesday the development makes him pessimistic about the prospects for a gas tax increase to pay for transportation projects. The Salem Democrat spoke at a legislative forum organized by The Associated Press.
Republicans object to Gov. John Kitzhaber’s push to continue Oregon’s low-carbon fuel standard, which is scheduled to expire before it’s fully implemented.
The legislation would require fuel providers to reduce the carbon content of their products or buy credits from producers of clean burning fuels.
GOP lawmakers say they’re concerned gas prices would rise, and the increase shouldn’t come in conjunction with a gas tax. Proponents say the program is designed to avoid major price spikes.
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