OTA Dispatch Issue 1, 2019

Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch Waylon Buchan OTA Director of Government Affairs LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 6 S ince the 2019 legislative session kicked off on January 22, we have been running at a full sprint with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. On January 29, OTA members mobilized at the Oregon State Capitol in full force for our Trucking Day at the Capitol. I want to sincerely thank everyone who participated in this event, and also relay what I heard from legislators. You made a strong impact and were generally regarded as one of the most polished and professional association groups to come to their offices in a long time. With that said, you might be wondering: what’s been happening in Salem? The Joint Committee on Carbon Reduction was created last year for one purpose, to pass the Democrat’s flagship piece of environmental legislation known as “Cap and Trade.” If you are growing tired of hearing about this subject, I don’t blame you. However, this legislation is monumental because it could completely change Oregon’s economy over the coming years. In essence, that is the primary goal of the Cap and Trade bill (House Bill 2020), because the measure would apply a carbon price to all aspects of Oregon activities which result in a net increase in greenhouse carbon emissions. This means the price would increase on motor fuels, electricity, natural gas, and raw materials. Any commodities which rely on these energy sources and materials will see price increases as a result. Democrats, in general, seem to think price increases across these energy sources and commodities are acceptable so long as they result in behavior change and people choosing consumer goods which are less carbon- intensive. This is certainly not the first session OTA has dealt with carbon legislation. This is, however, the first time Democrats have brought this legislation while maintaining supermajorities in both the Senate and House. So, what progress has been made so far? The first draft of House Bill 2020 has been released. As written, OTA does not support the bill because it would simply result in unmitigated cost increases across the industry. However, we are working with lawmakers to amend the bill because we see real opportunities to create a bill which maintains commitments to the Highway Fund, mitigates costs on motor fuels, and exchanges the burdensome weight-mile tax with a straightforward fuels tax system. Under pressure from their Republican colleagues, the Democrats recently agreed to tour Oregon as part of a “roadshow” to gain input on the carbon bill. The Joint Committee on Carbon Reduction agreed to hold hearings in Salem, Springfield, Medford, Baker City, Newport, The Dalles, and Bend. OTA members appeared at these venues to voice strong concerns about the bill. Because House Bill 2020 resides in a joint committee, it is not subject to the same deadlines or cutoff dates as other legislation. This means the bill could pass next month, or it could pass on the very last day of session. In any case, we will continue to work this legislation as our top priority. What else has been happening? So far, we have seen a number of bills which could negatively impact Oregon businesses. Democrats are pushing paid family and medical leave legislation which would drastically increase the burden on employers by requiring contributions to a fund which would provide wages to employees while on leave. Leave eligibility requirements would be significantly expanded. House Bill 3022 dropped this month, which would essentially rewrite workers’ compensation laws in favor of employees by redefining preexisting conditions. OTA recently opposed Senate Bill 379, which would allow employees to use marijuana in their off hours. Banning the substance would be considered an unlawful employment practice. To join our Truck PAC or to donate, go to www.ortrucking. org/truck-pac Legislative Update FIND MY LEGISLATOR As we build our OTA in Action Committee and pair members of our trucking community with legislators, we encourage everyone to find their representative (in their workplace location, home, or both). You can quickly access this information on the Oregon Legislature website or visit OTA’s website for the direct link www.oregonlegislature.gov/findyourlegislator/leg-districts.html.