Oregon is looking at expanding per-mile charges for electric vehicles. (Photo by Terrence McDonald/New Jersey Monitor)
Oregon recently celebrated registering more than 100,000 electric vehicles, which Gov. Tina Kotek called a “milestone” for reaching the state’s climate goals.
But that milestone can also be a millstone around the neck of the state’s transportation system as lawmakers try to figure out how to produce an estimated $1.8 billion annually for the state’s transportation needs. Sputtering revenue from the state’s 40-cents-per-gallon gas tax as Oregonians drive more fuel-efficient cars — plus rising construction costs tied to inflation — contributed to that deficit…