The latest news about plans for tolls on Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 in the Portland area is disappointing — but far from surprising.

In that regard, we probably should thank the Portland City Council for putting an end to a disingenuous dance around the inevitable conclusion to any tolling plan. In pushing for tolls along the bulk of the region’s major interstates, Portland’s council has removed any doubt that the issue is a slap at Washington residents. Oregon officials are prepared to reach into the pockets of Clark County residents while making no promises about benefits to those residents.

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, long has been an outspoken critic of the plan. With Oregon officials now revealing the true scope of the issue, we encourage Gov. Jay Inslee and Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell to get involved. Oregon’s plan is a most unneighborly targeting of Clark County residents — who make up 20 percent of the metro area’s population — and would negatively impact the local economy. About 70,000 Clark County residents work in Oregon, and countless more enjoy access to the amenities of a major city.

Last year, the Oregon Legislature called for a committee to examine what it euphemistically deems congestion pricing in the Portland area, seeking ways to reduce the region’s stifling traffic. Good idea. But if mitigating traffic truly is the goal, Oregon officials also would consider tolls along Interstate 84 through Portland’s east side and along U.S. Route 26 and Highway 217 on the west side of the city.

Instead, the sole focus has been on I-5 and I-205, which provide the only connections between Clark County and Oregon and which, therefore, have a disproportionate percentage of drivers from Washington. The committee has recommended an initial plan for tolls toward the south end of Interstate 205 and on a portion of I-5 through the heart of the city. Any tolls on an interstate freeway would have to be approved by the federal government.