Sen. Keith Goehner/R-Dryden/Credit: Washington State Senate

Funding for transportation projects in our state comes primarily from two sources. Washington’s constitution requires the 49.4-cent state gas tax to be used only for building and maintaining highways and bridges; an assortment of other taxes and fees (such as license-plate fees) found in state law generates money for other transportation purposes, like transit.

A proposal gaining traction this session would create another source of transportation funding – but it also threatens to impose an unnecessary financial burden on hardworking families and small businesses. Senate Bill 5726 and House Bill 1921 are identical bills that would charge drivers based on the number of miles they travel. Proponents claim this “road usage charge,” or RUC, would create a sustainable revenue stream for transportation funding; to me it unfairly penalizes rural communities, raises privacy concerns, and increases costs for consumers at a time when the cost of living in Washington is becoming less affordable.

To be clear, this new tax would not be collected in time to alleviate the transportation-funding shortfall we must overcome in the course of adopting a new transportation budget for 2025-2027. Also, this new tax could not immediately replace the state gas tax, as there are bonds that must still be paid off using gas-tax dollars.

One of the most evident issues with the proposed road-usage tax is its unequal impact on rural residents. Unlike urban areas with extensive public transportation, rural Washingtonians rely on their vehicles for work, school, and daily activities. Long commutes are not a choice —they are necessary. Under this proposed tax, these residents would pay significantly more than urban dwellers, worsening economic disparities and making it even more difficult for rural communities to succeed.

Beyond privacy and fairness, this tax could have severe economic consequences. Small businesses that rely on transportation could face higher costs that would ultimately be passed down to consumers. In an era when the costs of food, fuel, and goods are rising, a per-mile tax would add more financial strain on businesses — and could cause ripple effects throughout the economy, making essential products and services even more expensive for families.

Washington’s transportation infrastructure needs reliable funding. However, the road-usage tax proposed in SB 5726 and HB 1921 is not the ideal solution. Instead, lawmakers should focus on alternatives that fairly distribute costs without harming rural residents, infringing on privacy, or adding financial burdens. By prioritizing sustainable funding solutions, we can ensure that our roads, bridges, and transit systems remain robust without unfairly targeting Washington’s drivers.

As the Assistant Ranking Member on the Senate Transportation Committee, I will oppose the RUC bill as proposed. If you agree, please contact the chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and let him know that this legislation is just too expensive rural Washington.

To view updates on the Senate Transportation Committee, visit leg.wa.gov/about-the-legislature/committees/senate/TRAN.