Oregon
The End of Gas Pain? Oregon Launches Nation’s First Road-User Charge — Streetsblog USA
It has been a decade since Oregon launched OReGO, the nation’s first road-user charge pilot designed to test whether drivers could be taxed by miles driven rather than by fuel consumed. What began as a small voluntary program is now on track to become a statewide mandate for certain vehicles, marking a major shift in how Oregon plans to pay for its transportation system.
The timing reflects a growing fiscal challenge. Fuel tax revenues — long the backbone of state transportation budgets — continue to decline as vehicles become more efficient, as electric vehicle adoption accelerates, and as inflation erodes the purchasing power of gas tax revenues collected at the pump. State officials say a per-mile charge offers a more stable and predictable income stream as vehicle technology evolves.
But as the Beaver State moves from pilot to adoption, it remains unclear to what degree there is public acceptance of the concept and whether a user-pays system can work at scale.
Even with those uncertainties, the Oregon Department of Transportation’s innovative programs policy adviser Scott Boardman provided an update on where the rollout stands. Here are the main takeaways:
Adoption is set for July 1, 2027
Unlike the pilot, which relied on volunteer drivers, the road-user charge will apply automatically to electric vehicles already registered in Oregon. Newly registered EVs and hybrids will be added the following year.
A substantial amount of work remains before the launch. ODOT must integrate its systems with DMV, modernize the state’s fuel‑tax infrastructure, and complete data‑exchange protocols with private account managers. Officials note that a few “punch‑list” tasks may slip beyond the go‑live date, but the core systems are expected to be ready.
External contractors will continue managing enrollment, mileage reporting, billing, and customer service. ODOT says the model is far more developed than it was at the start of the pilot, with standardized reporting and improved data security.
The per-mile rate is just over two cents and tied to the fuel tax, at least for now
Under current statute, the per-mile rate is set at 5 percent of the state fuel-tax rate, or just over two cents per mile. The rate will adjust automatically if the fuel-tax rate changes. Over time, lawmakers may choose to decouple the two, allowing the per-mile charge to evolve independently.
A statewide referendum is expected in November on the broader transportation funding bill, but the road-user charge provisions are not part of the measure. Revenue from the per-mile charge is projected to begin flowing in 2029, with more substantial increases forecast between 2031 and 2035.
Privacy protections remain largely unchanged
Privacy concerns dominated early debates over OReGO, as opponents of the concept argued that a distance-based system could allow the state to track driver location. But the enabling legislation carries forward many of the pilot’s safeguards: The law requires destruction of driver data after billing and limits access to personally identifiable information to vehicle owners, financial institutions, account managers, and law enforcement under defined circumstances.
Drivers will still be able to decide how their mileage is reported — a feature meant to keep both data handling and billing arrangements under their control. After 10 years without a reported breach, ODOT hopes the program’s track record will help ease public concerns as the program becomes mandatory.
Charging out‑of‑state vehicles is still unresolved
Since 2013, Oregon has been part of a coalition of 18 western states called RUC America exploring whether a road‑usage charge could work within their own transportation systems. The consortium allows state DOTs to pool expertise, share research, and potentially jointly develop pilots and policy frameworks. The group has already backed a wide range of studies and demonstrations and continues to steer multi-state exploration of RUC approaches.
Discussions are underway among the consortium to explore potential reciprocity agreements, but officials say no consensus has emerged. The challenge involves both design and policy considerations, including how to verify mileage, how to reconcile differing state systems, and how to ensure that charges are applied consistently across jurisdictions.
ODOT views RUC America as a vehicle for addressing this issue after the program launches.
Public outreach is underway
According to ODOT, public understanding of transportation funding remains limited. Participation in the OReGO pilot was modest, and surveys found that many drivers had only a basic grasp of how fuel taxes work or why the state is considering a new approach.
To prepare drivers for the shift, the agency is rolling out a statewide outreach campaign. A communications consultant will oversee public‑relations work, and informational materials will be sent out ahead of registration renewals. ODOT also plans to partner with auto dealers so sales and finance staff can explain the new requirements for eligible vehicles.
These efforts, officials say, are meant to close the awareness gaps revealed during the pilot, build trust, and help drivers understand what the new system will mean for them.
More than a decade after OReGO’s launch, Oregon is preparing to take a major step toward replacing the gas tax with a per-mile charge. The pilot demonstrated that the technology works, that privacy protections can be enforced, and that drivers can navigate the enrollment and billing process. What remains to be seen is how the system performs at scale — and how the public responds once participation is no longer optional.
Two days after the 2026 NFL Draft ended, Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Matthew Bedford accepted an invite to the New Orleans Saints’ rookie minicamp, and punter James Ferguson-Reynolds to the New York Giants’ rookie minicamp, according to The Oregonian’s James Crepea.
Bedford started his college career with the Indiana Hooisers and Ferguson-Reynolds with the Boise State Broncos before transferring to Eugene, Oregon.
Offensive Lineman Matthew Bedford
Across his two seasons with Oregon, Matthew Bedford only played eight of the 29 games played after suffering a left knee injury in the fall of 2024.
He was set to be the starting right guard and was only on the offensive line for 84 total snaps during his time with the Ducks.
Punter James Ferguson-Reynolds
James Ferguson-Reynolds, a native of Geelong, Australia, came to the United States in 2020. He was named an Associated Press Third Team All-American in 2023.
In his senior season with Oregon, Ferguson-Reynolds punted 35 times for 1,470 yards, averaging 42.0 yards per attempt. The leftie had 17 punts inside the 20-yard line and six punts of 50-plus yards, with a long boot of 58 yards.
Below are the four other Ducks that will be looking for a shot at a spot at an NFL training camp and an opening-day roster spot.
Running Back Noah Whittington
Noah Whittington is headed to the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent, per CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
The Ducks’ leading rusher from the 2025 season was an All-Big Ten Conference Honorable Mention selection with 829 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 129 carries. He finished his college career with 2,950 career rushing yards after starting his career with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers from 2020 to 2021, then moving to the Emerald City from 2022 to 2025.
Offensive Tackle Isaiah World
Isaiah World signed as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers, according to Zenitz.
The 6-8, 315-pound giant earned All-Big Ten Conference Honorable Mention honors before suffering a torn ACL in his left knee during the College Football Playoff semifinal loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl. The former Nevada Wolfpack is expected to make a full recovery after not participating in the NFL Combine or Oregon’s Pro Day.
Long Snapper Luke Basso
Luke Basso will sign as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos, reported by Crepea.
The Duck will have the chance to reunite with quarterback Bo Nix, with whom he played alongside during the 2022 and 2023 campaigns at Autzen Stadium. The primary specialist appeared in 39 games, while earning All-Big Ten Conference First Team honors in his redshirt junior season and All-Big Ten Conference Second Team honors during his redshirt senior season.
Kicker Atticus Sappington
Atticus Sappington will be joining the Minnesota Vikings as a rookie minicamp invite, per Crepea.
The former Oregon State Beaver turned Duck went 51-for-61 on his field goal college attempts, turning a 83.6 percentage. On 40 through 49-yard attempts, Sappington knocked through 17-for-21 kicks through the uprights.
With the long distance of 50 yards or more, the Portland, Oregon, native finished 2-for-5 throughout his college career. His longest included a 51-yarder against the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, in the rivalry road 26-14 win to cap his Pacific Northwest tenure.
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The Oregon Ducks saw seven prospects picked in the 2026 NFL Draft, headlined by tight end Kenyon Sadiq and safety Dillon Thieneman in the first round.
It’s never too early to start talking about the 2027 NFL Draft, and Oregon has a few underclassmen who could declare early for the draft, joining an already deep draft class out of Eugene led by quarterback Dante Moore.
Jamari Johnson
After former Oregon star Kenyon Sadiq was drafted as the first tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 16 overall pick, many believe the Ducks have college football’s next best tight end already on the roster.
With Ducks tight end Jamari Johnson already receiving recognition as the top tight end prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft, he’s likely only spending one more year in Eugene. Johnson flashed as a receiver during his first season at Oregon, and the expectations have only risen for 2026.
Alongside Sadiq, Johnson totaled 32 catches for 510 yards and three touchdowns last season. After a season as the top tight end in Oregon’s offense, Johnson is expected to become the third Ducks tight end drafted in three consecutive years following Sadiq and Terrance Ferguson.
Koi Perich
Former Minnesota safety transferred to Oregon in the offseason and immediately received comparisons to former Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman, who started his career with Purdue before transferring and becoming a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
While Oregon fans certainly hope that Perich follows in Thieneman’s footsteps, the Chicago Bears’ first-round pick set the bar high.
Perich enters the Ducks defense expected to be an immediate contributor after earning freshman All-American honors (like Thieneman did at Purdue). The newest Oregon safety totaled 128 combined tackles, six interceptions, five pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in two seasons with Minnesota.
If he can produce at a similar level in Oregon’s defense, the NFL could come calling early for Perich.
Jeremiah McClellan
Maybe a bit of a surprise pick here, but McClellan will be eligible to declare for the 2027 NFL Draft after his redshirt sophomore season. The headlining receiver in 2027 will no doubt be Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith, but McClellan could play his way into the NFL Draft.
McClellan is not projected as an early-round draft pick, especially entering a year in Oregon’s offense that features fellow receivers Evan Stewart and Dakorien Moore.
Still, McClellan stepped up when the Ducks were thin at receiver in 2025, and another strong season from the Oregon pass catcher could boost his NFL Draft stock high enough. He finished the year with 38 catches for 557 yards and three touchdowns, not to mention his uncanny ability for acrobatic, highlight receptions.
McClellan did miss Oregon’s spring game on Saturday with an undisclosed injury, though, so he’s far from a lock to declare early for the NFL Draft.
Especially considering the Ducks’ ability to retain players under Lanning, McClellan could very well play multiple years at Oregon after 2026. However, another break out season, and it could be his last in Eugene.
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Former USC Trojans freshman shooting guard Jerry Easter II will be staying within the Big Ten Conference and join the Oregon Ducks through the transfer portal.
The 6-5, 190-pound sophomore averaged 4.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game during his first college basketball season. Easter II finished with a shooting split of 43.6 from the field, 23.5 from beyond the arc, and 74.4 from the free throw line in 17.4 minutes across 29 games played.
Out of the 2025 recruiting class, the former top-60 and four-star recruit out of Link Academy in Branson, Missouri, visited coach Dana Altman in Eugene, Oregon, on March 8, 2024. He’s a high-volume scoring option that has a multifaceted style of offensive play, especially in the open floor. With time to work on his shooting mechanics this offseason, Easter II hopes to have his percentages across the board rise.
He’s much more of a two-guard, as he has an issue with caring for the ball consistently. With Kentucky Wildcats freshman combo guard Jasper Johnson having more of a shot at the starting position, Easter II looks to be a boost off the bench for Altman in 2026-27.
That still means the Ducks require a primary ball-handler to fill the point guard spot. If it can’t be found through the transfer portal, Johnson would look to take over the duties at the one. That’s not where the 6-5, 180-pound talent is best on the floor.
Alabama Crimson Tide’s Taylor Bol Bowen
Alabama Crimson Tide junior power forward/center Taylor Bol Bowen committed to the Pacific Northwest program after his official visit on April 22, bringing desperately needed size at the five spot in Oregon’s frontcourt.
The 6-10, 200-pounder averaged 6.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this past season. He has a high defensive upside that will replace center Nate Bittle’s role right away.
What separates Bol Bowen’s game from other bigs that the Ducks’ coaching staff was recruiting through the transfer portal is his ability to stretch out the floor. He shot 37.2 percent from deep on nearly 200 attempts, dating back to his first two seasons with the Florida State Seminoles.
Altman’s going to have quite the lengthy unit that will be able to cover the court and switch everything on the defensive side of the ball.
Oregon’s 2026 Transfer Portal Class
Along with Easter II, Johnson, and Bol Bowen, there are three other new faces in Altman’s 2026 transfer portal haul.
- San Diego Aztecs sophomore power forward Pharaoh Compton
- Boise State Broncos junior wing/power forward Andrew Meadow
- San Francisco Dons sophomore wing Tyrone Riley IV
On3 has that group ranked No. 56 in the country, No. 13 in the Big Ten. 247Sports has Oregon’s transfer portal class ranked No. 39 overall and No. 8 in the Big Ten.
The Ducks have filled out 12 of the 15 available roster spots for both scholarship players and walk-ons.
St. John’s Red Storm’s Joson Sanon
Oregon reached out to Saint John’s sophomore transfer Joson Sanon, per League Ready. Whether or not those conversations will continue after the commitment of Easter II is unclear.
The 6-6, 200-pound shooting guard scored 7.9 points per game and shot 33.6 percent on three-pointers in 20.9 minutes across 37 games played in 2025-26. He started his collegiate career with the Arizona State Sun Devils.
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