Oregon Legislature Passes Historic Bill Investing in the Environment

Defenders of Wildlife is today celebrating a monumental legislative victory for wildlife and wild places in Oregon. Passed with bipartisan support, HB4134 directs revenue from the state’s transient lodging tax, now increased by 1.25%, to wildlife and habitat conservation work throughout the state.

“To step outside in Oregon is to know how valuable our landscapes are to our wellbeing and our economy,” said Colin Reynolds, senior advisor to Northwest programs at Defenders of Wildlife. “This bill represents a model for states across our nation to build upon and showcases that when we invest in the environment, we can boost the economy.”

According to a 2024 report, Oregon’s outdoor recreation generated $16 billion in consumer spending and 192,000 full and part-time jobs. Since 2003, the number of overnight visitors to Oregon has grown by more than a third, but investment in preserving imperiled wildlife and their habitat has been minimal. 

The statewide transient lodging tax increase will now direct a large portion of proceeds, estimated at over $30 million per year by the end of the decade, towards a sustainable investment into the natural environment. Other programs receiving sustained funding include those supporting wildlife passage, anti-poaching efforts, invasive species response, wildlife risk reduction and job development and funding to help reduce conflict and improve coexistence with wolves. The bill also establishes a wildlife rehabilitation facility grant program. With the increase, Oregon remains the state with the third lowest tax on overnight lodging in the country.

In 2025, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife identified 320 at-risk species defined as having small or declining populations and having management concern. These species include iconic species such as the Southern Resident killer whale, the American pika and the tufted puffin.

Defenders of Wildlife calls on Governor Kotek to sign this bill into law at the earliest possible time.

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