One-third of Oregon's energy use comes from transportation: personal cars, fleets, shipments, and more.
The transportation industry moves people and goods throughout the state of Oregon. In some cases we are the starting point or the destination; other times, people or goods are just passing through.
Transportation - by air, water, rail, or road - is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, at 39 percent. At ODOE, our work focuses on increasing the use of alternative fuels like electricity and biofuels, supporting zero-emission vehicle technology, and implementing policies that decrease carbon emissions.
Learn more about our work:
Transportation Sector Energy Use
In ODOE's
2018 Biennial Energy Report, data show that the transportation sector accounts for the largest share of energy used in Oregon, at about 31 percent.
Transportation sector fuel consumption costs Oregonians, on average (from 2005 to 2016), $7.4 billion each year. About 98 percent of transportation fuels are imported, so the majority of those dollars are not retained in Oregon. Gasoline at the pump accounted for 68 percent of all transportation fuel costs. In terms of energy cost, transportation makes up almost half of all dollars spent on energy in the state:
After a dip in gasoline use in Oregon in 2011-2014 (likely due to recession), gasoline consumption is again on the rise. Increased consumption leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions. (Click image to enlarge.)
While vehicles are becoming more efficient, Oregonians are increasing their miles traveled. (Click image to enlarge.)