‘A Decisive Victory for Wildlife’: Oregon Gov. Signs Historic Legislation Directing State Lodging Tax Toward Conservation

PORTLAND, Ore. - Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has signed House Bill 4134, a state lodging tax which will generate critical funding for wildlife and habitat conservation and help boost the state's $16.2 billion recreation economy. House Bill 4134 will drive much-needed funds into Oregon's State Wildlife Action Plan, which serves as the state's blueprint for conserving and recovering 321 species of greatest conservation need - a significant increase from 294 in the last iteration - 11 types of native habitats needing proactive restoration actions, and iconic and economically important salmon, steelhead and trout. The tax is projected to raise nearly $37 million in revenue per year to benefit a variety of species and their habitats ranging from the Pacific lamprey and sea otter to the Olympia oyster and Columbia Gorge caddisfly.

"This is a decisive victory for wildlife and a landmark moment for conservation. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has demonstrated extraordinary leadership to preserve and protect the wildlife and habitat that define Oregon. This legislation is a model for other states to follow," said Karla Raettig, Chief Advocacy Officer for the National Wildlife Federation.

HB 4134 passed both chambers of the State legislature with bipartisan support, and was backed by a diverse coalition of more than 80 conservation groups.

"House Bill 4134 is a practical, long-overdue step toward recovering Oregon's threatened wildlife, plants and landscapes. We appreciate Gov. Kotek's leadership in moving this forward," said James Adkins, executive director of the Association of Northwest Steelheaders. "Dedicated conservation funding means better habitat, stronger fish runs, and more consistent opportunities for the people who fish here year after year. It also helps ensure that Oregon remains a recreational angling destination not just for the experience, but because the resource itself is being responsibly cared for."