Oregon Trucking Association, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch 2023 IS UPON us, and with it comes new chapters, some new faces, and some of the same old challenges. Last year, we saw the election of a new governor and historic turnover in the Legislature, not to mention we now have a host of legislators who are in their second term in office and have yet to experience regular in-person meetings as part of their duties, as a result of being elected and serving through the duration of COVID-19 restrictions as well as the Capitol construction currently underway that further hampers their ability to return to their normal proceedings. But even as we face these logistical challenges, we also continue to see regulatory and legislative challenges that threaten our industry. There are efforts in the Legislature as well the Department of Environmental Quality to adopt environmental regulations being proposed in California that could cost our industry billions and may ultimately prove unworkable if they are adopted in their current form. There are also historic efforts underway to improve the I-5 and I-205 corridors including replacing the I-5 bridge. But the additional funding needing to complete the projects is still undetermined, which could include a heavy tolling scheme and even congestion pricing which could impact trucking vastly more than passenger vehicles. And these are just a couple of the hottest items that our staff and leadership at OTA are working on. With the many historic issues and proposals facing our industry, it is imperative that we continue to advocate for trucking however we can. That is why I implore you to mark your calendars for April 27, when OTA will be hosting Trucking Day at the Capitol. If you’re a veteran attendee, this year’s Trucking Day may look a little different than years past. If you’ve never been, I strongly urge you to join us and learn about issues affecting your business as well as get a chance to meet your legislators and discuss those issue. There are a lot of issues pending at the state level that are of critical importance to us, and there are a lot of new legislators who may not be aware of how big of a presence trucking has in their districts, or how reliant their constituents are on our businesses. As I often say, I believe we have some the best advocates in the business working on our behalf. But there is no replacement for hearing from you directly. And if you’re not willing to come share your story, how can we ask legislators to care about our cause? This will be our first inperson return to this event in four years, please join us to help make it one to remember. I firmly believe that the involvement we show and actions we take now could determine our industry’s fate on critical issues for many years to come. So please find a way to get involved. If you can’t make our Trucking Day at the Capitol, please reach out to staff or an OTA Board Member you know and ask how you can get involved in one of our policy committees. We need your input and action. It seems like we are at a turning point with many challenges before us at this moment in history, but I’m reminded that with great challenges come great opportunities. Let us not fail to miss it. See you down the road, Evan 2 Evan Oneto OTA Chair It seems like we are at a turning point with many challenges before us at this moment in history, but I’m reminded that with great challenges come great opportunities. Let us not fail to miss it. A New Year Brings New Challenges & New Opportunities
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