Oregon Governor Signs Historic Bill Investing in the Environment

Defenders of Wildlife is celebrating a monumental victory for wildlife, wild places and local economies in Oregon. Passed with bipartisan support and signed yesterday by Governor Tina Kotek, HB 4134 directs revenue from the state’s transient lodging tax, now increased by 1.25%, to wildlife and habitat conservation work throughout the state.

“HB 4134 is a landmark bill for Oregon’s environment and will join other pioneering bills, such as the 1967 Beach Bill and the 1973 Land-Use Planning Law, in establishing a new gold standard for state environmental protection efforts,” said Colin Reynolds, senior advisor to the Northwest program at Defenders of Wildlife. “Defenders of Wildlife congratulates Governor Kotek, Representatives Helm and Owens, and Senators Golden and Nash, along with the many organizations, businesses and citizens whose tireless work got us to this moment.”

The tax increase will now direct a portion of proceeds, estimated at approximately $30 million per year by the end of the decade, towards a sustainable investment into the natural environment. Other programs receiving sustained funding at a level over $10 million per year include those supporting wildlife passage, anti-poaching efforts, invasive species response, wildlife risk reduction and job development and funding to help reduce conflict, improve coexistence with wolves, and compensate landowners who experience wolf depredation. The bill also establishes a wildlife rehabilitation facility grant program.

“Working in wolf-livestock conflict reduction, I’ve seen just how critical it is to secure sustained funding for Oregon’s wolf depredation and compensation program, so it’s especially encouraging to now see the state’s commitment to wolf recovery and rural economies,” said Joseph Vaile, senior representative to Defenders of Wildlife’s Northwest Program. “Defenders was instrumental in establishing a wolf compensation program before Oregon’s official program began in 2011, and we are proud to be a part of the coalition advancing this permanent funding mechanism.”

On average, state wildlife agencies receive less than $1 million annually to implement their State Wildlife Action Plans – which aim to proactively conserve fish and wildlife, such as the Southern Resident orca, the American pika and the tufted puffin.

“HB 4134 represents a model for states across our nation to build upon to establish dedicated funding to conserve and recover their imperiled wildlife and habitats,” said Reynolds. “I am confident that other states will notice what Oregon has done and explore ways to sustainably support implementation of their Wildlife Action Plans, especially as most states attract visitors by marketing their natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.”

Oregon’s statewide transient lodging tax will increase on January 1, 2027 and HB 4134 requires transient lodging receipts to describe the amount from the increased tax as a “nature conservation fee.”

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