Oregon lawmakers have advanced a plan to put millions of dollars from nicotine pouch sales into the fight against wildfires.
By a 37-8 margin, the House approved Bill 3940, which would add a $0.65 tax to every package of nicotine pouches containing 20 units or fewer.
Packs with more than 20 pouches would pay an extra 3.25 cent charge for each additional unit, rounded to the nearest whole cent.
If the Senate agrees, the tax would take effect on January 1.
Legislative staff estimate the measure will raise about $14.3 million USD ($19.4 million CAD) over the next two years.
One third of the tax generated is earmarked for the Landscape Resiliency Fund, which pays for fuel reduction and restoration projects on public and private land.
The remainder of the tax grab would flow into the Community Risk Reduction Fund, administered by the Oregon State Fire Marshal to help local governments cut fire danger.
Republican sponsor Bobby Levy said the bill “recognizes that the cost of wildfires is too great to ignore — and that we cannot continue to fund our response efforts with one-time dollars and last-minute band-aids.”
“Our goal was simple, but vital: create a sustainable, long-term funding mechanism for wildfire prevention and suppression that protects both the environment and the people who call Oregon home.”
Democrat Pam Marsh said the proposal recognizes the new reality of larger, hotter fires.
“This bill is about prioritizing wildfire mitigation, making our communities safer, and building a funding system that is more sustainable,” said Marsh.
“We’re investing in resilience and taking real steps to reduce the long-term human and economic toll of wildfire.”
Beyond the tax, Bill 3940 would establish a Wildfire Prepared Structure Program.
The grant initiative is designed to help homeowners upgrade roofs, windows, and siding to meet modern fire safety standards.
Priority would go to low income households and properties situated in high risk zones.
Central Oregon Senator Anthony Broadman pointed out that wildfire smoke now ranks among the region’s top summer health threats.
“In Central Oregon, wildfire smoke is a leading cause of public health risk during the summer months,” said Broadman in a press release.
“Oregon has a long history of taxing nicotine products to support public health initiatives, and it just makes sense to use revenue associated with these products to help keep Oregonians safe and healthy.”
The Senate must pass the bill before the legislature adjourns on June 29.
If approved, Oregon would become one of the first US states to link an oral nicotine tax directly to wildfire prevention.
