Pew Applauds Oregon Governor for Signing Bill to Improve Wildlife Migrations, Driver Safety
Funding for lifesaving projects remains a key priority in ongoing legislative session
WASHINGTON—The Pew Charitable Trusts today praised Oregon Governor Tina Kotek (D) for signing into law H.B. 2978, a bill that improves an existing program designed to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions.
The law, which goes into effect Jan. 1 of next year, requires the state to establish a list of priority wildlife crossing projects, increases coordination between the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), creates a training program for agency staff about wildlife crossing issues, and requires ODOT to consider wildlife connectivity in future transportation infrastructure projects.
Brett Swift, a senior manager with Pew’s U.S. conservation project, issued the following statement:
“Every year, more than 6,000 deer are hit by vehicles on Oregon’s roads. These collisions can leave people injured—or worse—and cost a staggering $53.4 million, as recently as 2020, for vehicle collisions with deer or elk.
“The good news is that Oregon’s H.B. 2978 is a significant step toward making the state’s roads and highways safer while also improving wildlife habitat connectivity. The new law will build on and improve the Oregon Department of Transportation’s existing wildlife-vehicle collision program. Pew thanks chief sponsors Representative Ken Helm, Senator Chris Gorsek, and Representative Pam Marsh for their legislative leadership, and Governor Tina Kotek for signing the bill into law.
“But the work is not done: Dedicated funding is still needed for the construction of wildlife crossing infrastructure to make Oregon’s roads safer for drivers and animals alike. We urge the state Legislature to pass a transportation package that includes a biennial allocation of at least $12 million toward building wildlife crossings that save lives, money, and wildlife.”
People
