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• Air Quality

• Agriculture

• Budgets/Revenue

• Climate

• Coastal Issues

• Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

• Department of State Lands (DSL) 

• Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) 

• Land Use & Housing

• Pesticides

• Recycling 

• Water

• Wildfire

Air Quality

Bills we are watching: SB 726 Requires the owner or operator of a municipal solid waste landfill to conduct surface emissions monitoring and report data as specified in the Act. LWVOR to support.

HB 3244:  Replaces the requirement that an owner or operator of a municipal solid waste incinerator conduct continuous monitoring or sampling of specified air contaminants with a requirement that the monitoring or sampling be conducted annually. LWVOR would oppose. The bill relates to the Reworld facility out of Keiser and League members have testified of their concerns in past years. 

Agriculture

By Sandra Bishop  

How to protect productive agricultural ground and forests by determining what uses should and shouldn’t be allowed on private agricultural and forest land in the state is top of mind as the 2025 session of the Oregon Legislature gets underway. Senator Jeff Golden, chair of the Senate Committtee on Natural Resources and Wildfire, was first out the gate leading the charge on addressing issues related to the loss of agricultural land and forest land in Oregon. The first meeting of the Committee this session on January 21st was an informational presentation on the history, challenges and the need for legislation to address problems with incompatible uses and continued threats to the viability of agricultural and forest land.

Speakers at this informational presentation included land use experts Hilary Foote, Farm/Forest Specialist with Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and Jim Johnson, Working Lands Policy Director, 1000 Friends of Oregon. Foote gave a concise, yet comprehensive history of Oregon land use laws related to farm and forest land. While acknowledging the importance of the agricultural and timber economies she put the preservation of high value resource land in a broader context; the reality of a finite land base and the Oregon values of conserving and using it wisely.

Foote’s presentation was dense with facts and figures and specifics to help orient the members of the committee to look at the multifaceted consequences of the use of ag and forest land in the state. Co-benefits such as air, water, habitat, and sequestration of carbon are some of the factors to recognize when considering the conversion of agricultural and forest lands. (The DLCD report was linked in our last legislative report.)

Jim Johnson, who retired in Nov 2024 after more than twenty years with the Oregon Department of Agriculture where he served as Land Use and Water Planning Coordinator, is an expert in farmland preservation and protection. As the new 1000 Friends of Oregon Working Lands Director, Johnson gave a presentation to the committee members with a realistic assessment of Oregon’s standing in the nation as being top in protecting farmland, but showing signs of weakening in that regard. He stressed the diversity of high-value crops produced in the state and the danger of the cumulative impact on ag land of not only the actual loss of farmland but the shadow conversion effect of impinging uses that adversely affect the ability to operate. He gave details such as conversion or loss of land by county, which reveals that renewable energy projects such as solar are a significant factor in land conversion.

The third speaker in the information panel was a representative from the Oregon Farm Bureau who indicated OFB will advocate for increased agri-tourism, value-added activities such as events and direct-to-consumer activities. The statement was made that there will be opposition to any non-voluntary forfeiture of farmland.

Chair Jeff Golden announced four specific Senate bills that will be considered by the committee: SB 78 – Replacement dwelling bill; SB 77 – home occupation reform bill; SB 73 – Spot zoning reform; and SB 79 – prohibits certain dwellings on resource lands. LWVOR will watch and may support with our strong positions on protection of Oregon’s valuable agricultural lands.

Budgets/Revenue

By Peggy Lynch

From the State Debt Policy Advisory Commission on Jan. 16: The State’s General Fund revenues are forecasted to provide for $8.9 billion of new General Fund debt capacity for the upcoming four biennia, with an average debt capacity of $2.22 billion per Biennium. Lottery Revenue continues to be heavily dependent on video gaming, which is reliant on access to bars, restaurants and gaming facilities and showing signs of weakness vs expectations. Projected Lottery Revenue provides $2.25 billion of new Lottery Revenue debt capacity for the upcoming four Biennia, with an average debt capacity of $564 million in each Biennium over the forecast period.

The Advisory Committee discussed the need to sell bonds over the 2-year budget period instead of at the end of the 2 years, which has been the practice recently. But that has consequences because of the timing of debt service costs reducing monies for other purposes in the session. 

If you want to learn how the Ways and Means Subcommittees work, including  their policies and procedures, each will hold orientation meetings this week to provide members with guidance before they begin hearing individual agency budgets the week after. Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources:

• Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502

• Dept. of Agriculture Fees:  SB 5503 

• Columbia River Gorge Commission: SB 5508

• DEQ:  SB 5520. Governor’s budget DEQ Fact Sheet Public hearing tentative set for mid-March

• Oregon Dept. of Energy: SB 5518

• Oregon Dept. of Energy Fees: SB 5519

• Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife:  HB 5009

• Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521

• Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: HB 5010

• Dept. of Land Conservation and Development:  SB 5528 Governor’s budget DLCD Fact Sheet Public hearing Feb. 3-4; LCDC 1/24 presentation

• Land Use Board of Appeals:  SB 5529

• Oregon State Marine Board: HB 5021

• Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.:  HB 5026 Public hearing tentative set for March 8

• Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539

• Water Resources Dept.: SB 5543 Governor’s budget WRD Fact Sheet  

• Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039. Tentative public hearing Feb. 23-24

• Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 6-Year Limitation: HB 5040

• Limits expenditures of lottery funds from the Watershed Conservation Grant Fund for local grant expenditures by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for a six-year period beginning July 1, 2025.

• Oregon Business Development Dept.: HB 5024

• Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management: SB 5517 

• Office of the Governor: SB 5523

• Oregon State Fire Marshal:  SB 5538

• Dept. of Transportation:  SB 5541

• Dept. of Administrative Services: HB 5002

• Legislative Administration Committee, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Counsel Committee, Legislative Fiscal Officer, Legislative Revenue Officer, Commission on Indian Services and Legislative Policy and Research Committee: HB 5016

• Lottery Bonds: SB 5531: an average debt capacity of $564 million in each Biennium 

• Emergency Board: HB 5006 

• General Obligation Bonds, etc.: SB 5505: an average debt capacity of $2.22 billion per Biennium 

• Six-Year Limitation/Bonds: SB 5506

• Limits for the six-year period beginning July 1, 2025, payment of expenses from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by various state agencies for capital construction.

The next Revenue Forecast will be Feb. 26th. The legislature will use that forecast to do a final rebalance of the 2023-25 budget. Then the May 14th forecast will be the basis for the legislature to determine the 2025-27 state budget.

Climate

By Claudia Keith and Team  

See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections.

Coastal Issues

By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch  

It was good to read in Rep. Gomberg’s newsletter his support for issues mentioned in last week’s legislative report: “I will have a bill to better protect rocky nearshore habitat and our eelgrass meadows. I’m working to ensure funds already allocated to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for Marine Reserves are not diverted for other purposes. And I’m continuing to support marine science and research with funding for the Oregon Ocean Science Trust.”

President Trump signed an Executive Order on Jan. 21: “We aren’t going to do the wind thing,” Trump said Monday. Minutes later he signed a sweeping order that seeks not only to stop new offshore wind lease sales but also to potentially “terminate or amend” existing leases.

Oregon is continuing meetings on Offshore Wind. For more information, please visit the DLCD webpage here: Offshore Wind Roadmap.

Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

By Peggy Lynch 

The House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment had a presentation on the many programs of the DEQ on Jan. 21st. There was also a presentation on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE). 

As we have concerns about the current federal administration related to our environment, the Oregon Capital Chronicle provided this reminder:  “In 2019, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2250, which requires that the Environmental Quality Department evaluate changes to federal environmental laws and determine whether the changes result in less protective measures than previously established federal standards. If new federal changes undermine established ones, the agency must inform the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission and recommend action to continue enforcing the previous standards.” 

Nitrates in the Lower Umatilla Basin worsened in the last 10 years as reported in an article by OPB. “Wednesday’s report documents tests at 33 wells monitored by DEQ across the large geographic area. The majority of those wells are for domestic use, though two are used for irrigation purposes and one is used for commercial business. Overall, the tests showed the nitrate problem has become notably worse in the past decade, even as Gov. Tina Kotek and other state officials in recent years have said they want to act on the problem.”

Here is the Onsite Wastewater Management Program 2025 Rulemaking webpage. Because of the League’s work on SB 391 (2021) and additional bills in 2023, a League member is serving on the rules advisory committee to address sewer availability and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) issues. There are two additional meetings set for Feb. 13 and 26. You are welcome to  Sign up for email updates about this rulemaking via GovDelivery.

The League supports SB 830, a bill that modifies provisions of the on-site septic system loan program to allow for grants. It also allows for the program to consider mobile home parks in need of septic upgrades.

The League will again serve on an annual rulemaking advisory committee on water quality fee increases.

Department of Geoology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI)

By Peggy Lynch

 On Jan. 28th at 8a, the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment will receive a presentation on the proposed pilot project on Geologic Carbon Sequestration Potential in Oregon. Agenda.

Department of State Lands (DSL) 

By Peggy Lynch  

The Director of DSL published a proposed increase in permit fees for Removal/Fill program: “Oregon’s Removal-Fill Law helps protect wetlands and waters by requiring permits to remove or add materials in wetlands, rivers, streams, lakes, and other waters of the state.”

A League member served on the rulemaking advisory committee. “The statutory Common School Fund heavily subsidizes Oregon’s removal-fill permitting process.” “Visit the DSL website to see a draft of the proposed rules and program fees, all related materials from the rulemaking process, and the online comment form: www.oregon.gov/dsl/Pages/rulemaking.aspx. The comment deadline is February 17th at 5:00 p.m.”

The next State Land Board meeting is Feb. 11.

Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) 

By Josie Koehne  

SB 404  directs the State Board of Forestry to convey certain state forest lands to a county that determines that the county would secure the greatest permanent value of the lands to the county and requests conveyance. LWVOR will oppose

See also the Wildfire section of this report below and the separate Climate section.

Land Use & Housing

By Peggy Lynch

Both the House Housing and Senate Housing  Committees have presentations on their agendas that members might find of interest on Jan. 27th. Unfortunately, both begin at 1p. However, it’s a good thing that the meetings are recorded and you can listen later! 

The following is a beginning list of land use (and housing-related) bills we are following:

• HB 3013: Details the process by which a permit or zone change that is based on provisions of a comprehensive plan or land use regulation that fail to gain acknowledgment is voided and any resulting improvements or uses are removed or revoked. LWVOR may support.

• HB 3062:  Requires local governments to map sensitive uses as part of a comprehensive plan. LWVOR may support.

• HB 2138: Expands allowable middle housing and expands middle housing requirements to include urban unincorporated lands. LWVOR may have comments. Some provisions we support; others not so much.

• HB 3145:  Allows the Housing and Community Services Department to use Local Innovation and Fast Track Housing Program Fund moneys for factory-built housing. LWVOR should support. Not sure if in our Housing portfolio or Land Use. 

• HB 2316:  Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. LWVOR will oppose.

• HB 2347: Authorizes the Department of Land Conservation and Development to provide planning assistance for housing production to federally recognized Indian tribes and makes other technical changes to laws relating to land use planning. A -1 amendment will be considered at a public hearing on Feb. 5th in House Housing. 

• SB 462:  Requires the Oregon Business Development Department to establish an education course for land use planners for local governments, special districts and state agencies. LWVOR supports educational efforts but there are other training opportunities so this proposal might be redundant.

• SB 525:  Amends expedited land division criteria and processes. LWVOR has concerns. May need to oppose. 

There is a bill to update Goal One and Public Participation being sponsored by Oregon’s American Planning Association that the League is interested in, but will need to review before taking a position. Awaiting a bill number.

Pesticides

 HB 2679 directs the State Department of Agriculture to classify certain pesticides containing neonicotinoids as restricted-use. The League has supported a similar bill in past sessions.

Recycling 

The Senate Energy and Environment Committee heard invited testimony on the extent and effects of microplastics in Oregon’s waterways and marine environment. 

Celeste Meiffren-Swango, state director of Environment Oregon, told the committee that her organization’s survey of 30 scenic rivers and lakes in Oregon found at least one form of microplastic in all 30. Microplastic fiber from textiles and clothing was the most prevalent form found in these waterways, some of which also contain large concentrations of tire particles. Microplastics can wind up in human hearts, livers, brains, and other body parts. We are only beginning to understand the health impacts. 

A slide presentation by Elise Granek, professor of environmental science and management at Portland State University, is a data-rich summary of PSU’s research on microplastic particles in the edible tissue of West Coast seafood species, including oysters, razor clams, pink shrimp, lamprey, Pacific herring, and other species. Salmon, lamprey, and razor clams in particular are culturally important to some Oregon tribes. 

Updates to Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act (SB 582, 2021) that LWVOR supported, effective later this year, will help to reduce plastic pollution by making recycling easier for the public to use, expanding access to recycling services, and upgrading the facilities that sort recyclables. Producers and manufacturers of packaged items, paper products and food service ware will pay for many of these improvements. Consumers can also make a difference by choosing alternative products that use less plastic.

On Jan. 27th, the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment will hear a report on Oregon’s Bottle Bill program. The League has been engaged in this program since its inception but we have no Recycling volunteer to follow this issue in 2025. 

Water

By Peggy Lynch 

The League provided our first natural resources area testimony on HB 2168 on Wed. Jan. 22nd at the House Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water Committee, joining a wide group of interests supporting the programs. The bill requests $5 million for the on-site septic loan program, another $5 million for the Well Water Repair and Replacement Fund and monies to help the Oregon State Extension Service reach out to potential recipients. 

On Jan. 23rd the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire held a discussion on “Foundational Information on Groundwater and Water Right Transfers Policy” with staff from the Governor’s Office.

On Jan. 24th, Reps. Helm and Owens held three briefings on 1) Water Use Measurement and Reporting, 2) OWRD Funding Program Improvements (LC 3240), and 3) Water Right Transaction Process Improvements attended by a broad group of water interests, including LWVOR (over 50 attendees), to present potential legislation. More to come when bills are officially filed. 

• HB 2988:  Instructs the Water Resources Department to take certain actions related to aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery.

• HB 3108:  Requires the Water Resources Department to implement additional rules and requirements for the review of limited license applications for an aquifer storage and recovery permit

• HB 2803: Increases certain fees related to water. LWVOR will support. Expect amendments. Needed to provide current service level staffing at WRD.

Another bill, SB 830, that the League will also support when posted, would allow for grants in the on-site septic program and extend the opportunities to low-income mobile home parks with failing septic systems.

The League is proud to have been a part of advocating for many of these 2021-2024 Oregon Water Resources Dept. Investments. But there is more to do. The League has been invited to participate in discussions on a new Water Stewardship and Supply Initiative with its updated scope. LC 3542 has been filed, and this work will flesh out the proposed bill which “Directs the Water Resources Department to study the use of water resources in this state. Directs the department to report to committees or interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to natural resources no later than September 15, 2026.”

League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor, a map that is updated every Thursday. Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon.

We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.”  Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. 

Wildfire

By Carolyn Mayers

The League is excited to see SB 85, a bill that directs the State Fire Marshal to establish a neighborhood protection cooperative grant program. We look forward to testifying when it is scheduled for a public hearing. We also are pleased to see HB 3172 related to home hardening. It provides policy direction and funding to the Oregon State Fire Marshal to establish the Wildfire Prepared Structure Program to provide financial incentives to individuals rebuilding after a wildfire, and to assist existing homeowners in the wildland urban interface (WUI) to retrofit current dwellings. Upgrades will reduce the likelihood of structural destruction during wildfires and protect our low income, vulnerable households. 

Monday Jan. 27: Senate Energy and Environment work session on SB 334 (Brock Smith), requiring the Dept. of Consumer and Business Services to study the financial impacts of wildfires. The bill is simply being moved to another committee on Monday. There will possibly be a future public hearing in that new committee.

Tuesday, Jan. 28: Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire will have a presentation on wildfire insurance risk.

Wednesday Jan. 29: Senate Finance and Revenue SB 545, establishes an income tax credit for volunteer firefighters. The bill will be subsequently referred to the Committee on Tax Expenditures.

Lastly, OPB shares information about a youth program to help with wildfire mitigation.

Volunteers Needed

What is your passion related to Natural Resources?  You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com. Training will be offered.