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Legislative Report - Week of 4/7

Natural Resources Team

 

Coordinator: Peggy Lynch  

  • Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra Bishop

  • Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch

  • Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor

  • Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone, Lily Yao

  • Forestry: Josie Koehne

  • Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch

  • Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian

  • Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop

  • Water: Peggy Lynch

  • Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers

  • Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch

Please see Natural Resources Overview here.

Jump to a topic:



AIR QUALITY


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 supports. The - 3 amendment was adopted and the bill now goes to the Senate chamber.


AGRICULTURE

By Sandra Bishop


By Sandra Bishop


  • HB 2647 originally would allow cities to bring land within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) for industrial use. If adopted, an amendment appears to narrow this bill to allow the city of Monmouth a land swap to remove and replace land to its UGB. A work session is scheduled 4/7 in House Housing & Homelessness Committee. 

  • HB 3921 is a similar bill in that it would allow by law land swaps for City of Roseburg/Douglas County per this preliminary staff analysis.  A work session is scheduled 4/7 in House Housing & Homelessness Committee.  

  •  HB 3928 would allow counties to supersede all statewide land use planning laws to site housing on rural lands. This bill is scheduled for a work session 4/07 in House Housing & Homelessness Committee and, interestingly has another public hearing set for 4/09.

  •  HB 3496 requires the Development of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to write guidelines for citing childcare facilities on county resource land to allow childcare as a home occupation. The bill passed out of the House Early Childhood and Human Service Committee to Ways and Means.


The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) meeting on March 20th included a public hearing on rulemaking for solar siting in eastern Oregon. The rules are required to implement HB 3409 (2023 session), specifically to reduce conflicts in siting solar projects. The rules will be considered for adoption by July 1st, 2025. The public comment period has been extended to April 30.


Proposed rule amendments to the Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) Chapter 660 divisions 4, 6, 23, and 33, pertaining to Goal Exceptions, Forest Lands, Goal 5, and Agricultural Lands.  Submit comments to:

denise.johnson@dlcd.oregon.gov

gordon.howard@dlcd.oregon.gov

jon.jinings@dlcd.oregon.gov

adam.tate@dlcd.oregon.gov   


SB 1129  requires the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) to amend rules on urban reserves.  This would make it easier to add agricultural and forest land to urban reserves.  A work session is scheduled for April 7 in Senate Committee on Housing and Development.


BOTTLE BILL UPDATE

By Sandra Bishop


SB 992 is the omnibus bottle bill. The -3 amendment will replace the original bill. The bill as amended is expected to pass out of Senate Energy & Environment Committee on Monday April 7th. The committee held a work session on April 2nd to hear an explanation of the -3 amendment from industry representatives.  Included in -3 amendmentHB 2068  – Alternative Access Redemption Centers and convenience zones in Portland.  SB 869 – Hours for redemption; 8am to 8pm (changed to 6pm). HB 3432 – A winery may refuse to accept and pay the refund for beverage containers of a brand and size they don’t sell and HB 2921– Siting and approval of redemption centers on industrial land in Portland; OLCC may deny or revoke approval if negative impact on the livability of the surrounding area is determined.


As amended, SB 992 contains detailed provisions for setting up Alternative Access Redemption Centers. If the People’s Depot (redemption center) in Portland finds a permanent location where it can expand operations, and if it is approved as an Alternative Access Redemption Center, there will be a convenience zone drawn around it. Large stores within that zone will be eligible to participate in a similar way as they participate in a full-service redemption center area now. Small stores within the zone will be able to reduce their redemption requirement down to 24 from 50 beverage containers per day per person. It is expected that hours for redemption will be 8am to 6pm in central Portland (within a convenience zone for an alternative access redemption center). A lot of careful consideration and work seems to have gone into crafting changes to the redemption system that will help to ease the burden for stores and dealers while making it easier for individuals in Portland who redeem beverage containers daily or on a near daily basis. The bill also contains provisions to incentivize people to use bag returns rather than in-store redemption.  


The League has not taken a position on the specific changes proposed in SB 992, but has always supported the bottle bill and continues to support the most appropriate, effective, and environmentally sound recycling and recovery of beverage container materials. 

HB 3940, the omnibus wildfire funding bill, will have a work session April 8. A -1 amendment (Rep. Lively’s amendment) and -2 amendment (removing the surcharge on bottle bill sections) have been posted on OLIS. 



BUDGETS/REVENUE

By Peggy Lynch


The Co-Chairs of Ways and Means provided their framework for the 2025-27 state budget.  Note on the last page the potential effect of federal budget cuts. This Oregonlive article suggests some of the most painful cuts.


Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources:  

  • Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 Info mtgs. March 24 and 25 with public hearing March 26. Meeting Materials 

  • Dept. of Agriculture Fees:  SB 5503 Info mtgs. March 24 and 25 with public hearing March 26.

  • Columbia River Gorge Commission: SB 5508 Info mtg. and public hearing March 13

  • Dept. of Environmental Quality:  SB 5520. Governor’s budget DEQ Fact Sheet  Meeting Materials. info mtgs. April 7-9, public hearing April 14

  • Oregon Dept. of Energy: SB 5518 info hearing 2/10, Meeting Materials, public hearing 2/11

  • Oregon Dept. of Energy Fees: SB 5519 info hearing 2/10, public hearing 2/11

  • Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife:  HB 5009, public hearings Mar. 31 & Apr. 1-2; Meeting Materials, Apr. 3 ODFW Hatchery Assessment;  

  • Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521. info hearing March 10 & 11. Public hearing March 12. Meeting Materials  (See Wildfire section for more information.)

  • Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: HB 5010 Public hearing Feb. 5-6; Meeting materials  LWVOR testimony Aggregate industry testified against the staffing and fee increases.  LWVOR points out that KPM #4, mine inspections has consistently NOT met the small 20% target so, if staffing is needed to meet that target AND fees increased to pay for them, we will continue to support. LWVOR supports  SB 836, a bill that would significantly increase permit fees for mining related activities. See the agency’s presentation to understand the reasons for these increases. On March 25 the bill was moved to Senate Rules without recommendation. The League will continue to be involved in SB 836 because we need DOGAMI staff to do more than 14% inspections of mining operations. 

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

  • Land Use Board of Appeals:  SB 5529 Public hearing Feb. 27 LWVOR testimony. SB 817 is a bill to request a minor fee increase (Passed the Senate Mar. 11. Referred to Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water.)  

  • Oregon State Marine Board: HB 5021Public hearing Feb. 17 Meeting Materials 

  • Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.:  HB 5026  info hearings March 3-4, public hearing March 5. Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony in part to address comments by the Legislative Fiscal Office.  OPRD will need additional revenue sources for the 2027-29 biennium. 

  • Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 Info hearing March 17. public hearing March 19. Meeting Materials. LWVOR testimony in support.  

  • Water Resources Dept.: SB 5543 Governor’s budget WRD Fact Sheet  Here is a summary of the Governor’s budget.  Governor's Budget and Agency Request Budget documents are available online here. Info Mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 18-20.  Meeting Materials. LWVOR testimony .  And the fee bills: support HB 2808 (Work session April 7)  and support HB 2803 (Work session set for April 7). 

  • Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039. Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-27 LWVOR  testimony.   Meeting Materials 

  • 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.) Info mtg. &Public hearing Feb. 25-26 

  • Oregon Business Development Dept.: HB 5024  Info mtgs. 3/12, 13 & 17.  Public Hearing 3/18

  • Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management: SB 5517  info hearing 4/7&8. Public hearing 4/09; 

  • Office of the Governor: SB 5523 

  • Oregon State Fire Marshal:  SB 5538 info hearing 2/19, public hearing 2/20.  

  • Dept. of Transportation:  SB 5541 info hearing 3/03-6, public hearing 3/11. Here is an article from oregonlive reporting on the potential 2025 transportation package with proposed revenue sources.

  • Dept. of Administrative Services: HB 5002 info hearings 3/03-5, public hearing 3/06.  Meeting Materials  

  • 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. Public hearing in April. 

  • Emergency Board: HB 5006 This bill will be a vehicle to accept testimony from the public during six community meetings around the state from March 22 ending April 25 on the public’s priorities for the 2025-27 budget.

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

  • 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.)


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


The Eelgrass Action Bill (HB 3580), a bill for kelp and eel grass conservation, was sent to Ways and Means.  The League signed on to a letter in support. of HB 3580.   The bill to protect Rocky Habitat (HB 3587), another bill the League supports, was also sent to Ways and Means.  


HB 3786 is a bill that would provide new funding for the Oregon Ocean Science Trust (OOST).  The League has supported the creation and funding for this important program in the past. The -1 amendment was adopted on March 31 and the bill was sent to Ways and Means with a do pass recommendation.



DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) 

By Peggy Lynch


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 bill passed the full Senate March 6 and has been assigned to the House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment.


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 served on the rules advisory committee to address sewer availability and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) issues. On Feb. 26 the advisory committee approved the Fiscal Impact Statement. A public comment period is expected in May. You are welcome to  Sign up for email updates about this rulemaking via  GovDelivery.


The League again served on an annual rulemaking advisory committee on water quality fee increases.  A meeting was held on Feb. 25th where the committee agreed to forward their recommendation for the allowed annual 3% fee increase to the DEQ Director.  To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee you can view the rulemaking web page at: Water Quality Fees 2025.



DEPT. OF  STATE LANDS (DSL)


DSL is seeking comments on a proposed sale of state-owned land located on the south shore of the western side of Hayden Island in Multnomah County. The 45-day comment period is open from March 5 – April 19.


ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF)


SB 147 clarifies the management of the ESRF in the hands of the Dept. of State Lands and sets up a separate fund account for monies received to manage the forest.  There are a number of amendments being considered:  -1 amendment,  -2 amendment and - 3 amendment.  A work session is set for April 8.   The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources will have an informational meeting on the ESRF on April 17. 

The Dept. of State Lands is seeking comments on the proposed Elliott State Research Forest Operations Plan.  Click here to view or download the proposed plan, project overview map, and appendices. Click here to view only the proposed plan (PDF) The comment period has been extended to 5p on April 7. Here is a more complete notice of the plan with opportunities for virtual public meetings.  


EMERGENCY SERVICES

By Rebecca Gladstone


The League spoke and filed testimony on HB 2581 in support of a statute change, substituting the word “seismic” with “hazards”, to coordinate coverage efforts through the State Resiliency Officer. The bill has passed the House and is on the Senate floor, awaiting third reading.


FORESTRY (ODF)

By Josie Koehne


The League will continue to follow SB 1051, assigned to the Senate Rules Committee. The bill transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor. A public hearing was held March 24.  Because the bill is in Senate Rules, there is no current deadline for action on the bill.


HB 3103, a bill that would direct the State Forester to establish “sustainable” harvest levels for harvesting timber on state forestland and develop a timber inventory model to inform sustainable harvest levels while ignoring the court affirmed “greatest permanent value” was heard on March 3rd in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water.  The League  OPPOSED. A work session was held March 31 where a -5 amendment was adopted and the bill was sent to Ways and Means with a do pass recommendation.  OPB covered the story.  


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



GOVERNANCE


The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking.  After legislation is passed, agencies are required to implement those laws.  That action often requires rulemaking to clarify the details around that implementation.  But the League is concerned when legislators “get a second bite at the apple” by relitigating the legislation when rulemaking is only meant to implement, not change policies.  


Separately, the League was invited to a conversation among state agency rules staff on addressing concerns of the Governor and in an attempt to standardize the process statewide. The Governor has provided Rulemaking Guidance to state agencies: This document includes questions received from agencies since the Governor’s letter. This document includes additional resources for agencies including direction to post updates to the Transparency site, a website template that agencies can use (if they choose) to develop their pages, and links to other comprehensive agency rule making sites to review.   There is a broader discussion to increase transparency and consistency in the state agencies’ rulemaking process. The League will continue to be engaged with potential meetings in May and June.  


We continue to watch a series of bills related to rulemaking which we might oppose: HB 2255, HB 2303, HB 2402 and HB 2427.  We are also concerned with HB 3382, since the requirements of the Secretary of State to gather ALL the state agencies’ rulemaking, including all materials would be overwhelming. Individual state agencies provide that information on their rulemaking websites.  We may sign on to a letter explaining our concerns to legislative leadership.  


Because the League is often engaged in rulemaking, we regularly comment on legislation that would affect changes in Oregon’s current Administrative Rules.  We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692, a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures


LAND USE & HOUSING

By Sandra Bishop/Peggy Lynch


The League provided testimony in support of HB 3939, a bill that provides a list of infrastructure projects to fund for smaller Oregon cities so they can build more housing. We have also supported  HB 3031 A  but know there might be limited dollars this session so called out that link in our letter.   


Other bills we are following:

  • HB 2138: Expands allowable middle housing and expands middle housing requirements to include urban unincorporated lands, filed at the request of the Governor.  A -6 amendment may be considered from Rep. Marsh and a -4 amendment is being offered by Rep. Boshart Davis at a work session on April 7. 

  • HB 3145:  Allows the Housing and Community Services Department to use Local Innovation and Fast Track Housing Program Fund moneys for factory-built housing. A work session was held and the -2 amendment was adopted. The bill was sent to Ways and Means due to the fiscal impact statement.

  • HB 2950 A bill to update Goal One and Public Participation is being sponsored by Oregon’s American Planning Association. The League is interested in the bill, but has some concerns. A Work Session was held March 31st in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. The -4 amendment was adopted and the bill was moved to Ways and Means with a do pass recommendation.

  • HB 2316:  Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. These are currently a variety of state-owned lands scattered around the state. A work session is set for April 7th. There is a -3 amendment posted on OLIS that would likely lessen the impact on high value farm and forest lands.  

  • HB 3062:  Requires local governments to map sensitive uses as part of a comprehensive plan. A work session is scheduled for April 8.  A -3 amendment is posted on OLIS.   


See also the Agriculture section above and the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report.


SOLID WASTE


HB 3794: Task Force on Municipal Solid Waste in the Willamette Valley, public hearing and possible work session April 8 in the House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment.


STATE LAND BOARD

By Peggy Lynch


The State Land Board will meet on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Department of State Lands building in Salem. Here is the agenda and meeting packet.


WATER

By Peggy Lynch


The League has been engaged for many years around the issue of exempt wells—their allowed water use and lack of measurement of that water, in particular those domestic wells that are allowed to use up to 5,000 gallons of water for personal use and can be used by three dwellings, so the usage can be up to 15,000 gallons.  HB 3372 has been filed and will have a public hearing on April 7th with a work session on April 9th.  The League has provided testimony in support of this bill to study this issue. A -5 amendment was filed April fourth. Our testimony is in support of studying exempt water uses. 


From Rep. Helm’s Water Caucus newsletter: In 2021 the Legislature provided funding to conduct a Business Case for Investing in Water in Oregon. The results of the Business Case were presented at Water Day at the Capitol. Water is crucial to Oregon's economic vitality. In 2023, over 48% of the state's total economic output and nearly 44% of its employment were directly linked to water. Water's value extends across various sectors, including housing, infrastructure, health, manufacturing, agriculture, energy, recreation, and the food and beverage industries. 


The Best Practices in Community Engagement rules (OAR 690-601 sections 0100-0500 and 0700) for the Water Resources Dept. went into effect April 1. LWVOR participated in the rules advisory committee. Other natural resource agencies engaged in water issues are expected to adopt similar rules in the near future. 


Bills we are following in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water:  

  • Deschutes Basin Water Bank Authority (HB 3806). A -4 amendment has been posted on OLIS. Work Session scheduled for April 7.

  • Water Right Process Improvements (HB 3342)A -1 amendment has been posted on OLIS. Work Session scheduled for April 7.

  • Contested Case Process Improvements (HB 3544). A - 3 amendment has been posted on OLIS and a work session is set for April 7.

  • Place-Based Water Planning (HB 3116)  A - 2 amendment has been posted on OLIS. Work Session scheduled for April 7. League supports the original bill but has not engaged in the current proposed amendment.

  • Harney Basin Groundwater Management (HB 3800) A work session is set for April 7.

  • Water Right, Dam Safety, and Well Related Fees (HB 2803 League support and HB 2808  League support. Needed to provide current service level staffing at WRD. Work Session for April 7 on both bills. 

  • Water Rights and Public Interest (HB 3501) Work Session set for April 7.

  • Other water bills we are following: 

  • HB 3525 is related to tenants’ right to well water testing.  The League submitted  testimony in support. Work session set for April 7.

  • HB 3526 would require well water test reporting in property sales. The League supported this concept in past sessions and did again this session. Work session set for April 7.  A -7 amendment has been posted on OLIS.  The League can support the amendment.  

  • HB 3364  makes changes to the grants programs at the Water Resources Dept.  A - 4 amendment is posted on OLIS. Work session set for April 7.

  • HB 2988:  Instructs the Water Resources Department to take certain actions related to aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery. A work session is scheduled for April 7. A -5 amendment has been posted on OLIS.  

  • LWV Deschutes County submitted a  letter in support of SB 427, a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows. Possible work session scheduled for April 8. SB 1153, an alternate bill provided with help from the Governor’s office, may have more of a chance of passage.  It had a public hearing on March 25 with a work session also set for April 8.  We look for these bills to move to Senate Rules to allow for further conversation.


HB 3106 is the Oregon Water Data Portal funding bill for which the League provided testimony in support.  A work session is scheduled for April 7 in House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water where a -1 amendment was shared that would create an entire multi-agency system for gathering the water data needed for good decision making.  The League has yet to determine if this new proposal is good for Oregon. See the following Oregon Data Water Portal presentation and Internet of Water Coalition presentation. The League has not weighed in on the amendment. A new -5 amendment has been posted on OLIS where the Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries would lead and coordinate water agencies in this work. It is important to the League that this data portal work continue no matter under which agency the coordination takes place. Staffing will be needed so we expect to see a substantial fiscal impact statement which means the bill would then move to Ways and Means.   


The Co-Chairs of the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water are working on a broad package of water-related bills, the 2025 Water Package. There is a Water Caucus raising the awareness of the need to address Oregon’s water needs. 

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. The good news is currently Oregon is NOT in drought!


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 



WETLANDS


A new Rulemaking Advisory Committee has been formed related to Permitting and Mitigation in Oregon's Wetlands and Waters.


WILDFIRE

By Carolyn Mayers


A busy week in wildfire legislation kicked off April 1 with a Public Hearing before the House Committee on Climate, Energy and the Environment on HB 3940  with the -1 amendment (Rep. Lively’s amendment) and -2 amendment (removing the surcharge on bottle bill sections) have been posted on OLIS.  This omnibus wildfire funding bill, born of the work of the Wildfire Funding Workgroup, continues to evolve as lawmakers try to craft a durable solution for funding the wildfire crisis. It is scheduled for a Work Session before the same committee April 8. 


HB 3947: Increases the amount of the estimate of revenues that will be received from General Fund revenue sources other than corporate income and excise taxes for the biennium beginning July 1, 2023. There is a work session scheduled for April 8 and a -1 amendment is posted. SJR 11  was referred to Finance and Revenue, then Rules and is another bill being considered to fund wildfires—this time using lottery monies.


Next, a Public Hearing was held before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire on SB 83, which would repeal the apparently ill-fated State Wildfire Hazard map. The passage of this bill, which would result in the removal of language referencing the map from statute, would have far reaching consequences for everything from defensible space standards, the definition and mapping of the wildland urban interface, to building codes, the Oregon Conservation Corps grant process and the areas covered by rural fire protection districts. So far nine amendments have been introduced, and a Work Session has been scheduled for April 8. A nearly identical bill, HB 3944, will have a Public Hearing before House Climate, Energy and Environment on April 8. 


A Public Hearing was held next for SB 85, and a Work Session scheduled for April 8. This bill relates to the Oregon Fire Marshal establishing a Neighborhood Protection Cooperative Grant Program, the return of a concept from the short session and a concept the League supports.


HB 3666 is scheduled for a Work Session before House Judiciary on April 7. The -3 amendment further refines this bill which addresses wildfire safety certification for utilities, and attempts to lend consistency to the mitigation processes utilities current use. More details are available in this Oregon Capital Chronicle article, which also addresses HB 3917, which would set up a catastrophic wildfire fund into which utilities would pay to fund property damage claims. That bill is scheduled for a Public Hearing and possible Work Session before House Judiciary on April 8.


On April 3, a Work Session was held on SB 75-3 by Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire. The -3 Amendment was adopted and the bill, which defines “high wildfire hazard area for purposes of developing an accessory dwelling unit on lands zoned rural residential, or a replacement building on lands zoned for resource uses, was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.


Bills we are watching:


Senate Bill 1051, Governor Kotek is seeking the authority to choose the next State Forester.


SB 926 would prohibit the recovery of certain costs and expenses from customers that an electric company incurs as a result of allegations of a wildfire resulting from the negligence or fault on the part of the electric company. A work session is set for April 7.


See also the Summary of Northwest Energy Coalition in the Climate Emergency Legislative Reports.



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.




Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate EmergencyGovernance, and Social Policy report sections.


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