Oregon's Wildlife is at Risk. Increasing the State's Lodging Tax Could Help

"House Bill 4134, also known as the 1.25 Percent for Wildlife bill, would increase the state's lodging tax to 2.75 percent, directing most of the additional revenue to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) for wildlife conservation programs. Oregon's lodging tax, currently 1.5 percent, is calculated against the rates charged by a hotel, AirBnB, or other short-term lodging site."

"Wildlife advocates say ODFW's current funding strategy has incentivized the agency to focus on game species conservation, even as hundreds of other native animal species-from amphibians to marine mammals to birds-are threatened due to issues including habitat loss, invasive species, and the increasingly dire effects of climate change."

"Lawmakers and advocates have worked for years to find a solution for the ODFW's funding woes, which particularly impact its ability to carry out conservation work to protect non-game animals. The state agency is primarily funded through revenue from fishing and hunting licenses and a federal excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and fishing gear."

Oregon lawmakers advanced House Bill 4134, the 1.25 Percent for Wildlife bill, which would increase the state's lodging tax to 2.75 percent. Most additional revenue would fund the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for conservation programs. The bill received bipartisan support, passing the House with three Republicans and most Democrats voting in favor. ODFW currently relies on fishing and hunting license revenue and federal excise taxes on firearms and ammunition. Wildlife advocates argue this funding structure has prioritized game species over hundreds of threatened non-game animals facing habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change impacts. The bill now moves to the state Senate.

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