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Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 3/27 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency Priorities Other CE Bills Resilient Buildings Interstate 5 Bridge Project Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… Climate Emergency Priorities By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator CE priority bills continue to move forward. Find in previous LR reports additional background on each CE priority. (Find additional more current details below.) 1. Natural and Working Lands : expect Amendments . New Work Sessions scheduled 3/29 and 4/3 . The -6 amendment fiscal has not been posted. -4 amendment fiscal . The League continues to be an active coalition member. 2. Resilient Buildings (RB): LWVOR Alert . Work sessions were held on 3/28 and 3/30 . The League is an active RB coalition partner. Link to League testimonies: SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 . The fiscals have not yet been posted, expect them prior to work sessions. Recently posted to OLIS: SB 868 -3 staff measure summary SB 869 -2 staff measure summary SB 870 -3 Staff measure summary SB 871-2 staff measure summary 3. Environmental Justice (EJ) 2023 bills: The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition on 2/13 and SB 593 is one of two bills the League will follow and support. The ‘Right to Refuse dangerous work’ SB 907 , League testimony . Public Hearing (#2) and Work Session was on 3/30 . New on OLIS: SB 907 staff measure summary. Given input from a number of industry reps, expect an amendment for the 3/30 work session. SB907 Coalition Sign-on Letter - LWVOR one of many … (Scroll down to page 2 for all the LOGOS.) 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 , New Work Session 3/30. New -3 amendment . 5. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/reductions (DEQ) and new clean renewable energy (DEQ & DOE), OHA public health, and ODOT (Dept of Transportation) policy and funding bills. 6. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget * was published Jan 31; Kotek’s budget priorities . A main funding problem concerns how the favorable ending current period balance, estimated to be >$765M, can be used. It will take a 3/5 vote to pass this proposed change. We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ) and will be adding climate items to (DEQ) HB 5018 League 3/30 testimony. In both cases, our testimony will request additional agency requests that were not included in the Governor’s Jan budget. Another major issue, the upcoming mid-May Forecast, will likely provide new required budget balancing guidelines. Other CE Bills By Claudia Keith HB 2763 : League Testimony . Creates a State public bank Task Force. Like the RB task force, the 23-member Task Force is required to recommend no later than Jan 2024. “ The report must include a recommendation for a governing structure for a public bank.” This topic will likely have a bill in the 2024 session. Moved on 3/14 with recommendation to JWM with -1 amendment. HB 3016 community green infrastructure, Rep Pham K, Senator Dembrow, Rep Gamba. Work Session was 3/15 . Moved to JWM unanimously. Legislative Summary description . Fiscal is not clear for multiple-agency FTE adds, ~$900K, nor source of grant funds. “The Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO) notes that the measure establishes a program for awarding grants for which the revenue source has yet to be identified… “ HB 2816 , -3 amendment ‘ Data Center / High Energy Use Facility. New Work Session 4/3 . 3/20 Staff Summary HB 2713 No longer active bill. The - 1 amendment, PH 3/29 and work session 4/3 OLIS postings were deleted. Local Regulation of Fossil Fuels: home rule cities and counties have constitutional authority to prohibit or limit use of fossil fuels in new buildings or installation of fossil fuel infrastructure. Permits cities and counties, whether home rule or not, to prohibit or limit use of fossil fuels in new buildings or installation of fossil fuel infrastructure. League testimony was posted to OLIS on 3/23 . Senate E&E 3/28 By Greg Martin The committee had a high old time today with the jokes and jibes flowing freely. In between the chuckles, they moved a couple of bills of interest: SB 1015 -- moved to the floor with prior reference to Joint Tax Exp. It would accelerate the depreciation of "carbon reducing upgrades" that demonstrably reduce emissions, e.g. from older heavy-duty trucks, manufacturing facilities, or building upgrades and remodels. DoR estimates the introduced bill would cost $116K GF and $29K Other Funds in 2023-25, and slightly more in the next biennium. SB 678 -- moved without recommendation back to the Senate president w/ request to refer to Rules. It would establish state policy on benefits and priorities of offshore wind development. No fiscal or revenue impacts identified at this time. Other work sessions: SB 542 , the Right to Repair bill -- the committee carried over the work session to Thursday to allow more discussion of amendments brought by Chair Sollman. Among other issues, she indicated her intent to remove the potential for class action suits. SBs 868 , 869 , 870 , and 871 : The committee spent 10 minutes or so discussing this suite of bills, all of which have amendments posted, before carrying the work session over to Thursday. House CE&E 3/20 By Greg Martin The committee moved HB 3418-1 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, with referral to Joint Tax Expenditures. The bill would extend the sunset date of the Solar and Storage Rebate Program from 1/2/2024 to 1/2/2029. ODOE would have to waive the requirement that construction begin within 12 months of an award if construction were delayed because of supply chain or workforce disruptions or shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fiscal impact is estimated at $547K for 2023-25, $703K for 2025-27. ODOE received a GF appropriation of $15 million in 2021-23 and anticipates that all funds will be obligated by the end of the biennium. If additional funding were provided to carry the program forward, ODOE would change three existing limited-duration administrative positions into permanent positions. Senate E&E Meeting By Greg Martin Senate E&E held a work session 3/23 on SB 522 , the OGWC bill, for the sole purpose of inviting Sen. Dembrow to explain the -2 amendment, posted on 3/22. First, Dembrow said he had heard several concerns not yet addressed by the proposed amendment: Legacy language from the 2007 enabling legislation requiring OGWC to "examine cap-and-trade systems" as a means of achieving the state's GHG emission goals. This language was flagged before submitting testimony in support of the introduced bill. Sen. Findley said he would like to see all references to cap and trade removed, and Dembrow said he had no problem with that. Potential overlap or redundancy with SB 530 in the requirement for OGWC to develop carbon sequestration goals for N&WL; Dembrow said he would be OK with removing that language from SB 522-2 if necessary. Sen. Brock Smith's concern that adding two new members to the commission might upset the balance of interests; Dembrow suggested adding someone with expertise in fisheries. A fiscal impact statement was not available yet but Dembrow said he understands that ODOE will need more staff to support the commission's expanded work. Concern arose during the work session about the elevated targets for GHG emission reduction (including net zero emissions by 2050) in Section 1. Dembrow inserted these new targets, which the OGWC recommended at the end of its TIGHGER study, to replace the outdated targets in the 2007 statute. Findley repeatedly asked for assurance that setting these new targets in statute would not "codify EO 20-04" and "move the goalposts" for businesses struggling to comply with the CPP. Dembrow repeatedly assured him that the targets will not affect the regulation of business sectors under the CPP but represent economy-wide aspirational goals based on the best available science. Sen. Lieber pressed the point: This will not trigger a new rulemaking? Dembrow said no, and Findley asked him to say so again for the record. Findley asked why we should put aspirational goals in statute and "scare the heck out of people" rather than express them in a joint resolution. Dembrow noted that we already have climate action goals in statute; like many other states, but ours are woefully outdated. In the end, Dembrow conceded that there will have to be at least one more amendment. Findley said he wants to see the word "aspirational" in there somewhere. Chair Sollman carried over the public hearing to take testimony on the amendments, in view of the potential for what she called "confusion and heightened emotions.” No date has been set yet. House CE&E 3/27 By Greg Martin House CE&E moved these "bills of support" on the OCN hot list to the House floor with prior reference to W&M: HB 2990-1 , the Healthy Soils Bill -- requires DHS, OHA, and ODOE to provide grants, support and technical assistance for Resilience Hubs and Networks. Committee vote was 9-1 (Wallan). Fiscal impact statement appears to call for about $512K for DHS and OHA staff support in 2023-25, excluding any amounts appropriated for grants. HB 3196-1 , CPP Oversight -- allows EQC to set fees to be paid by community climate investment entities to cover DEQ's costs of administering the related portions of the CPP and establishes an interest-bearing Community Climate Investment Oversight Account for that purpose.The League submitted testimony in support of the original bill. Committee vote was 6-4 (Levy B, Osborne, Owens, Wallan). Per the fiscal impact statement, fee revenue is indeterminate but will need to be sufficient to pay for four new positions and associated costs included in Policy Option Package 115 in the Governor’s Budget for DEQ. The package includes a request for $500,000 GF and $1 million in Other Funds expenditure limitation; the GF will pay for program operations until Other Funds are received from the authorized fee. DEQ anticipates setting the fee at a level sufficient to garner $2 million in Other Funds during 2023-25. Work sessions are scheduled on 8 or 9 bills on Wednesday, April 5. Senate E&E 3/21 Greg Martin The committee sent these bills to the floor with a do-pass recommendation: SB 145 (w/ referral to Joint Tax Exp.), extends until 7/1/2032 the sunset date for the property tax exemption for the High Desert Biomass Coop, which burns "hog fuel" to produce hot water and steam for delivery in Burns. No fiscal impact (or comments, please). SB 444 (w/ referral to Joint W&M), directs DEQ to establish a Recycling Innovators Grant Program and seeds the grant fund with a $20 million GF appropriation for 2023-25. The committee also heard testimony for Sen. Hayden's SB 1015 to allow accelerated depreciation (over two years) of “carbon reducing upgrades” that could include replacement of older heavy-duty diesel trucks, manufacturing and building upgrades, adoption of clean vehicles for fleet use. Would apply to tax years beginning on or after 1/1/2020. No fiscal impact statement was available but committee members seemed favorable. Resilient Buildings By Arlene Sherrett Additional amended text was posted on OLIS for SB 868-3 , Heating and Cooling for All, 869-2 , Build Smart from the Start, 870-3 , Building Performance Standard, and 871-2 , Smart State Buildings. A short work session was held to briefly go over the amendments intents/effects. A lot of work has been done on the bills in response to issues raised at the public hearing, but the principal goals are the same. The fiscal impacts of one bill, 870-3 the Building Performance Standard, were discussed; six or seven employees would be added to ODOE to handle compliance. A second work session was scheduled on 3/30/23. HB 3166-2 was adopted with a do pass recommendation and referred to W&Ms: this whole-home energy savings program should draw IRA ($57 Mil + 56.7 Mil) funds from the federal home energy efficiency program for rebates on electric high-efficiency devices. Costs are indeterminate ; an estimate of what would be needed from Oregon general funds is just over half a million for each of the next two biennia. However, funding remains unclear. This bill dovetails with SB 869-2 (above) in creating a one-stop shopping facility for energy efficiency information, technical support, and certified contractor information. HB 3056-4 A-Engrossed version was referred with a do pass recommendation to Ways and Means. The bill extends funding for the heat pump grant and rebate program to January 2, 2026. The Fiscal Impact Statement on this bill shows a cost of $20,845,967 to be spent in the 2023-25 biennium. HB 3152-2 was scheduled for more hearing time on 4/3/2023. There was some confusion over what the bill does in the last hearing. The bill would shorten the time for the PUC to establish any change in utility ratemaking around costs of line extensions. There will be a fiscal impact, but no statement has been issued yet. All these bills will compete for funding, with others. This session there is a very tight budget with the Governor’s priority being housing. Interstate 5 (I5) Bridge Project By Liz Stewart and Arlene Sherrett The League has identified the I-5 Bridge Replacement as a key project impacting Oregonians and anyone traveling the I-5 corridor. This extensive, multi-year project is projected to cost between $5-7.5 billion and take until 2028 to complete. Washington and Oregon state transportation departments are jointly leading the project . Accountability Dashboard has extensive information and resources on financial and community accomplishments in an easily digestible format. A monthly newsletter is available to track project progress. The Executive Steering Group last met on March 21 and discussed funding in detail. The financial plan report will be released at the end of March and updated around major program milestones. Equity Advisory Group and the Community Advisory Group host regular meetings designed to educate and obtain community input on issues related to the IBR. The Joint Committee on The Interstate 5 Bridge currently has no scheduled meetings. Several bills related to tolling have been referred to Transportation and are moving forward during this session. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast was released Feb 22. The next forecast is due May 17. JW&M recommended budget will use the May forecast to balance the budget. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has continued to ignore the recommended SEC Climate Risk disclosure rule. The Need for Climate Risk Disclosures: Emerging trends in ESG governance for 2023 | Harvard. The Need For Climate Risk Disclosures : A Case Study Of Physical Risk Of Two REITS, EQR And ARE | Forbes. See supportive SEC disclosure LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury/Treasurer Tobias Read will assist with addressing the $27B Federal funds, contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank. Up To $27B Available for NPO Clean Energy Activities . | TNPT. The Oregon Investment Council met March 8; see the meeting packet . ESG is mentioned on page 7. The formal meeting minutes have not yet been posted. The agenda included ESG Regulatory Update Sarah Bernstein 7 Managing Principal, Meketa and Steven Marlowe, Assistant Attorney General, Oregon Department of Justice. Treasurer Tobias Read Releases First -Ever Oregon Financial Wellness Scorecard | OST. J an 2023 Pers Statement . Moody’s recent Oregon Bond rating rational: ‘Moody's assigns Aa1 to the State of Oregon's GO bonds; outlook stable’. Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… By Claudia Keith Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are a number of active state and federal lawsuits , (March 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 62 lawsuits with OREGON mentioned. Climate lawsuits: Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy and law areas: Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: The 2023 legislative session began Jan 17. If any area of Climate Emergency interests you, please contact Claudia Keith , CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 3/10 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here . Jump to a topic: Climate Priorities with League Testimony Natural and Working Lands Other Priorities Energy Issues Transportation Priorities Fracking CE Budget Concerns At this point in the session, we have submitted a number of policy Climate Emergency testimonies For the first time, this year most of our priorities are included in the bipartisan 2025 Legislative Environmental Caucus Priorities , Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Priorities and/or Oregon Conservation Network (OCN) priorities . OCN is the only formal environmental lobby coalition group in the building. Consequently, for some of these bills (especially those in a package) the League may just join coalition sign-on letters rather than providing individual testimony. Climate Priorities with League Testimony HB 2966 -3 Establishes the State Public Financing Task Force, Work Session 3/6/2025 passed to JWM, Representative Gamba, Senator Golden, Frederick, Representative Andersen, Evans , House Commerce and Consumer Protection (H CCP) 
 League Testimony 
 HB 3170 , Community Resilience Hubs and networks: Work Session 3/4, passed to JWM, DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. 
 League testimony The following bills are part of a critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package which was the subject of public hearings February 27 and March 6 in the House Energy Management, General Government, and Veterans Committee : HB 215 1: Testimony ; 2152 : Testimony ; 2949 : T estimony ; 3450 : Testimony , See also CEI Hub Seismic Risk Analysis , HB 3450 CEI energy storage transition plan, HEMGGV, League Comments Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability Package HB 3081 ( League testimony ) creates an active navigator to help access energy efficiency incentives all in one place . SB 88 ( League testimony ) limits the ability of utility companies to charge ratepayers for lobbying, litigation costs, fines, marketing, industry fees, and political spending. In addition to our testimony, LWVOR has signed on to letter support each of these bills. The Public Hearing was March 4th. Natural and Working Lands HB 5039 financial administration of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; JWM NR SC, PH 2/26, League testimony 
 HB 3103-1 - Overweight Timber Harvest, H ALUNRW, League Oppose Testimony , 3/3 PH. 
 Other Priorities HB 3477 : Update to Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Goals, PH 3/11, League testimony will be posted 3/10. Bringing back SB 1559 (2024) moved to H CEE, Sponsored by Rep GAMBA, Sen Frederick, Golden, Patterson, Pham K, Taylor HB 2566 : Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects – H Governor Tina Kotek
, Public Hearing held 2/11/2024, 2 amendments proposed (H CEE), DOE presentation 
 
 HB 3365 : climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, McDonald , House Education Committee Rep Andersen, Gamba, Lively, Neron, Senator Patterson, Pham, Taylor. House Cm Educ SJR 28 : Environmental Rights Constitutional – Referral, Senate Rules, Amendment Leg Referral - Senator Golden, Representatives Andersen, Gamba, Senators Manning Jr, Prozanski, Representative Tran 
. The League has tentative plans to write testimony (comments) on this bill later this month. 
 
 SB 679 : Climate Liability, (Sen. Golden, Senate Energy and Environment 
 
 SB 680 : Climate Science / Greenwashing, Sen. Golden and Manning, moved to Judiciary, no recommendation, (S J) PH was 2/26 Campos, Frederick, Gorsek, Patterson, Prozanski, Taylor 
 
 SB 681 : Treasury: Fossil Fuel investment moratorium
, Sen Golden, Senate Finance and Revenue 
 
 SB 682 : Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program Sen. Golden, Rep. Andersen, Gamba, Sen. Campos, Pham , SEE SB 688 : Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, PH 3/12, we are planning League testimony, Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham, SEE 
 SB 827 : Solar and Storage Rebate, SEE Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, Senate vote 21-7, moves to House 3/4 

 first reading. HB 3546 , the POWER Act , PR was 3/6, The bill requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create a new rate class for the largest energy users in the state. (data centers and other high-volume users). These regulations would only apply to customers in the for-profit utility's service areas of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. The League has approved being listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV : Citizens Utility Board CUB presentation here . See the discussion below under House CE&E 3/6 Public Hearing Carbon sequestration/storage: See DOGAMI Agency Budget (see Natural Resources Legislative Report) – Geologic Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Interactive Map | U.S. Geological Survey ( usgs.gov ) .
 
 Energy Issues House CE&E 3/6 Public Hearing on HB 3546 The committee heard testimony on HB 3546 , which would direct the PUC to create a separate classification of service for large energy user facilities (data centers and potentially crypto mining facilities) that draw >20 MW of electricity. PUC would require utilities to enter a 10-year contract obligating such users to pay a minimum amount or percentage for the term of the contract, which could include an excess demand charge. Rates for this customer class would have to be proportional to the costs of serving them, including for transmission, distribution, and capacity. Utilities would have to mitigate the risks to other customer classes of paying for the utility’s increased load requirements. The bill would apply only to large users that submit an application for service on or after the effective date of the act. Rep. Marsh and Sen. Sollman spoke for the bill, noting that growth in energy demand used to be balanced across all users, but data center growth has upset that. Without intervention, the high costs of growing demand will be borne by residential customers rather than large users. The bill is not asking large users to subsidize other users, nor challenging their tax benefits, but requiring them to pay their fair share of the infrastructure needed to serve them. Ten-year contracts would prevent stranded assets from being shifted to other ratepayers. Data centers have a specific massive impact on the grid that is not true of other large energy users. Small businesses as well as residential users are at risk. Bob Jenks of CUB also testified in support, saying we need a rate class for data centers because they put a unique and significant cost on the system. Over the past 10 years, PGE’s load would have actually shrunk if not for this new large load—unprecedented for a single customer class. AI data centers that are coming will draw more load than the city of Eugene. We already have rate classes based on specific usage – irrigation, street lighting, etc. PGE charges residential customers more than twice as much per kWh as it charges data centers. Assigning rates for the data centers will not be unilateral—they can make their case in specific rate cases before PUC. Rep. Osborne objected that Oregon needs more business, and these large users provide a lot of construction jobs, so we don’t want to overburden them or discourage other businesses from locating here. Marsh pointed to generous tax credits that are available to encourage this form of economic development. Green Energy Institute noted that data center owners are among the largest, richest corporations in the world and should not be subsidized by residential users. Google spokespeople took a neutral stance, saying they can support many elements of the bill but want to work with the committee to "improve" it by bringing other large energy users under its requirements. They said load growth reflects economic opportunities as well as challenges, and recent growth points to the need to reverse our underinvestment in critical infrastructure. In other states, Google has been able to strike agreement with multiple constituencies to come up with a framework that can work elsewhere. Key pillars: (1) Require all new large loads to sign long-term contracts so the new load is committed. (2) Commit the large users to pay minimum infrastructure charges to “de-risk” investments. (3) New large loads need to back up their load requests with "significant collateral"—e.g., multiple years of minimum payments have to be posted as a letter of credit so the utility can pay for these investments if the large user leaves the system. They would like to see a similar model adopted in Oregon. Senate E&E heard testimony 3/5 on Sen. Brock Smith's three nuclear bills SB 215 – Repeals the requirement that there be a licensed repository for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste before a site certificate for a nuclear-fueled thermal power plant may be issued in Oregon. If the bill is enacted, the repeal would have to be submitted to a referendum of Oregonians at the next regular general election. SB 216 – Repeals the above requirement by legislation alone. SB 635 – Directs OSU to conduct a feasibility study on nuclear energy generation in Oregon—advantages and disadvantages, maximizing jobs for Oregonians, technical issues. The meeting began with invited testimony from ODOE's Max Woods, mainly on nuclear safety and storage methods; an upbeat sales pitch by Kati Augsten, Nuclear Energy Institute, for nuclear plants in general and small nuclear reactors in particular; and a more sober assessment by Chris Hansen, Institute for Western Energy, who despite being a self-proclaimed nuclear enthusiast, poured some cold water on the previous presentation. According to Hansen, we are not seeing cost reductions in the marketplace for nuclear as we've seen for renewables. Unless we can lower the cost by more than a third, "nuclear power will have only a marginal role in the U.S. energy portfolio going forward." Clean options such as geothermal and hydro provide stiff competition for new nuclear units in the West. Grid enhancing technologies and grid expansions are likely to be more cost-effective in the near- to mid-term. Brock Smith and Rep. Diehl spoke for the bills, saying Oregonians need to have another vote on this (SB 215) as a lot has changed in the past 45 years. According to them, without nuclear, we won't have the baseload capacity to achieve all the electrification we need in order to decarbonize. Brock Smith said amendments are coming, some conforming and others to authorize our agencies to start looking at regulatory changes. Sen. Frederick spoke in opposition, saying he is skeptical of glorifying and overhyping nuclear power, as we were told 50 years ago that the waste issue would be solved by now. He noted that the outlook from Washington (DC) is unsettling, as the Project 2025 team has decided we can live with a larger amount of radiation, and they have fired some federal employees with nuclear expertise. Testimony followed from Sierra Club, Columbia Riverkeeper and some pro-nuclear advocates with predictable claims and counterclaims. Chair Sollman carried over the hearings until next Monday 3/10 so more people can testify House CE&E reported out the following bills with do-pass recommendations CE&E reported out the following bills with do-pass recendations: HB 2567-1 would adjust the rules and reporting requirements of the Heat Pump Deployment Program . ODOE could establish an allowable percentage by rule for administrative expenses and marketing costs for eligible entities, removing the existing statutory cap of 15%. The -1 amendment would allow ODOE to provide an additional incentive of up to $1,000 for contractors to install residential heat pumps in rural and frontier communities. The bill would replace the phrase “environmental justice community” with the phrase “disadvantaged community” throughout the statute, defined as “a community that has a socioeconomic burden and an environmental, climate or other burden.” It would extend the program’s sunset date from 2026 to 2032. The bill has minimal fiscal impact as it provides no additional funding for the program. Moved as amended to the House floor, rescinding subsequent referral to Joint W&M. HB 3170 would modify the grant requirements for Resilience Hubs and Resilience Networks and appropriate an additional $10.2M from the General Fund and $227K from federal funds to DHS for the grant program in 2025-27. It would clarify that the purpose of the grants is to pay for equipment, technical assistance, contracted services, and any other type of support needed to create or sustain a Resilience Hub or Network. DHS received more than 700 applications with $176M in grant requests during the first award cycle, and expects similar interest in the coming biennium. Referred to Joint W&M by prior reference. The committee also heard testimony on HB 3081 (One-Stop Shop 2.0), which would require ODOE to create a statewide clearinghouse for household energy efficiency incentive programs. It would create an active navigator to provide Oregonians with easier access to the hundreds of different incentives and cash rebates available for upgrades like heat pumps, weatherization, and sturdier doors and windows. HB 3081 would build on the One Stop Shop 1.0 search tool by offering live phone support to help Oregonians navigate their options and connect with trusted contractors. It would also require the information and assistance to be provided in the five most prevalent non-English languages spoken in Oregon. Oral testimony in support came from Climate Solutions, OLCV, Earth Advantage, Home Performance Guild of Oregon, and others. OMEU and ORECA posted written testimony in opposition, noting that consumer-owned utilities and coops already provide expert advice to their customers on BPA-funded and utility-specific rebates, and already invest heavily in developing their own rebate websites and marketing strategies, making HB 3081 a duplicative effort. Senate E&E 3/3 and 3/6 Hearings on SB88 Senate E&E heard testimony on SB 88 on 3/3 and 3/6. The bill would prohibit an electric or gas company from recovering from ratepayers’ expenses associated with advertising, political influence activity, litigation, penalties or fines and certain compensation. PUC would have to limit by rule the amount that a utility could recover from ratepayers to defend such expenses in a contested rate case. Each utility would have to file an annual report with PUC identifying such expenses. PUC would have to establish a fine for noncompliance and could order a utility to refund any amounts recovered for violating the act. Chair Sollman opened by saying this bill won’t save ratepayers a lot of money – it’s first and foremost about transparency – what business expenses should be considered the responsibility of utility customers. CUB, Climate Solutions, Rogue Climate, OSSIA and other organizations testified in support, as did LWVOR in written testimony . They said utilities have the upper hand in rate proceedings and SB 88 is a step toward balancing the scales. Customers should pay for infrastructure improvements and investments in reliability, but not for the utilities’ public image building, lobbying, executive bonuses, etc. Utilities shouldn’t be allowed to "throw items at the wall to see if they’ll stick." The bill would authorize penalties, beyond standard disallowances, for utilities who try to get away with that. Other states have adopted similar legislation. Cascade Natural Gas, NW Natural, and NW Gas Association opposed the bill, saying utilities already have to justify all their costs before the PUC and they ultimately have the burden of proof. NW Natural denied that it seeks to recover expenses for lobbying, public relations, etc. The current PUC process is transparent and fair. Reporting requirements in the bill are onerous and could wind up costing customers more. Legislative Council has suggested that the bill could violate the 1st, 5th, and 14th amendments with regard to free speech and equal protection. PGE and PacifiCorp offered no testimony. Following the hearing, PUC furnished a helpful table showing their interpretation of what SB 88 would change with regard to recoverable utility expenses. Transportation Priorities Transportation package that prioritizes climate, equity, and wildlife According to OCN Press Rel ease, “This package would build on the historic gains of HB 2017 (which included investments in public transit, safe routes to School, and vehicle electrification), to shift the focus to multimodal, safety, and climate-forward investments. This promises to create a system that saves money over time and builds a more resilient, equitable, and healthy future for all Oregonians.” Fracking The League continues to be concerned about Fracking issues. The fracking moratorium in Oregon, expired on January 2, 2025. [ 1 , 2 ] Here's a more detailed explanation: [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] Moratorium End Date: The temporary ban on fracking for oil and gas production and exploration in Oregon, established by House Bill 2623, was set to end on January 2, 2025. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] Governor's Signature: Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed the legislation on June 17, 2019. [ 1 ] Legislative Action: The Oregon Senate passed the bill on May 29, 2019, with a 17-11 vote. [ 3 , 4 ] Exemptions: The bill included exemptions for natural gas storage wells, geothermal activities, and existing coalbed methane extraction wells. [ 3 ] Current Status: The moratorium has expired, and fracking is no longer prohibited in Oregon. [ 1 , 2 ] [1] https://aglaw.psu.edu/shale-law-in-the-spotlight/oregon-and-washington-enact-hydraulic-fracturing-bans/ [2] https://climate-xchange.org/2024/08/policy-explainer-drilling-down-on-state-efforts-to-ban-fracking/ [3] https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/senatedemocrats/Documents/HB2623Fracking.pdf [4] https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2019/05/29/oregon-senate-passes-5-year-fracking-moratorium/1271400001/ CE Budget Concerns In order to stay on track, the Legislature must prioritize investments for vital climate and community protection programs. Without additional appropriations this session, the following existing successful programs may run out of funding: Community Renewable Energy Grant Program (ODOE) Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE) Community Heat Pump Program (ODOE) Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program/Charge Ahead (DEQ) Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Rebates + Infrastructure Grants (DEQ) Community Resilience Hubs and Networks (ODHS) Climate Change Worker Relief Fund (DAS) Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program (ODOE) Natural & Working Lands Fund (OWEB) (excerpt from OCEN network message) Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 3/31 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Environmental Justice Bills Climate Priority Advocacy Groups Climate Priorities with League Testimony , League Endorsement Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability Package Climate Treasury Investment Bills Natural and Working Lands Other Priorities Priority Bills That Died In Policy Committee Climate Emergency JWM Budget Concerns Senate E&E Committee - March 24 House CE&E - March 25 House CE&E - March 27 Environmental Caucus Session Update - Bipartisan News and Commission Meetings SJR 28 -1 , Environmental Rights Constitutional amendment Senate Joint resolution - with referral to the 2026 ballot, public hearing was 3/26 . The League provided support with comments testimony . The bill is in Sen Rules, so the Legislative deadlines are not applicable. A Work Session is not yet scheduled. The a mendment is a partial rewrite. LWV has provided guidance given over 26 states have or are in the process of having green / environmental rights constitutional topics or initiatives usually a legislation – referral to the people. New Mexico green amendment campaign focuses on racial justice. Environmental Justice Bills SB 54 : Work Session 3/31. The bill requires landlords provide cooling for residential units . The League endorsed and added our name to a Oregon Justice Transition Alliance (OJTA), sign-on letter . 
 HB2548 : establishes an agriculture workforce labor standards board, League Testimony . Work Session is 4/2. 
 Climate Priority Advocacy Groups For the first time, this year most of our priorities are included in the bipartisan 2025 Legislative Environmental Caucus Priorities , Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Priorities and/or Oregon Conservation Network (OCN) priorities . OCN is the only formal environmental lobby coalition group in the capitol. Consequently, for some of these bills (especially those in a package) the League may just join coalition sign-on letters rather than providing individual testimony. Climate Priorities with League Testimony with League Endorsement and Still Alive HB 3170 : Community Resilience Hubs and networks : Work Session 3/4, passed to JWM, DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony 
 
 
 Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package The follo The following four bills are part of a package which was the subject of public hearings February 27 and March 6 in the House Energy Management, General Government, and Veterans Committee: HB 215 1: Testimony ; appears dead HB 2152 : Testimony ; work session 4/1 HB 2949 : T estimony ; work session 4/1 HB 3450 : Testimony , work session 3/27, see also CEI Hub Seismic Risk Analysis 
 HB 3450 CEI energy storage transition plan, HEMGGV, League Comments 
 
 work session 4/1 Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability Package HB 3081 ( League testimony ) work session 4/8, creates an active navigator to help access energy efficiency incentives all in one place 
 SB 88 ( League testimony ) work session was 3/24, limits the ability of utility companies to charge ratepayers for lobbying, litigation costs, fines, marketing, industry fees, and political spending. 
 Moved to Sen Rules. In addition to our testimony, LWVOR joined the Oregon Conservation Network, coordinated through the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, in sign-on letters supporting both HB 3081 and SB 88. PH 3 / 4 Climate Treasury Investment Bills SB 681 : Dead: Treasury: Fossil Fuel investment moratorium, Senate Finance and Revenue, PH 3/19. testimony. Sen Golden. 
 HB 2200 work session 4/1: requested by Treasury Sec Tobias ESG investing, identified as the compromise bill. League – NO Comment, HC EMGGV, PH was 3/13. 
 HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing Task Force, Work Session 3/6/2025 passed to Joint Ways and Means (JWM), Representative Gamba, Senator Golden, Frederick, Representative Andersen, Evans , House Commerce and Consumer Protection (H CCP) 
 League Testimony 
 
 
 
 Natural and Working Lands HB 5039 financial administration of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; JWM NR SC, League testimony 
 
 
 
 HB 3103-1 – work session 3/31. Overweight Timber Harvest , H ALUNRW, League Oppose Testimony , -1 amendment . 
 Other Priorities HB 2566 -3 Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects , Work Session was 3/20, moved to JWM, Rep Gamba was the only nay, Governor Tina Kotek, (H CEE), DOE presentation 
 
 
 
 
 HB 3365 : work session 4/7, climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, House Cm Educ, PH was 3/12, League Testimony Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald , Rep Andersen, Gamba, Lively, Neron, Senator Patterson, Pham, Taylor. 
 
 
 SB 1187 new Climate cost recovery Liability interagency bill , PH 4/7, possible work session 4/9, Sen. Golden, Senate Energy and Environment 
 
(Replaces SB 679 and SB 682 : 
 SB 688 : -5 Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, PH 3/12,& 3/19, work session was 3/24, moved to JWM , League testimony , Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham, SEE 
 
 
 SB 827 : Solar and Storage Rebate , SEE Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, Senate voted 21-7, moves to House 3/4 

 first reading. 
 referred to H CEE 3/10 
 HB 3546 , the POWER Act , work session 4/8, PR was 3/6, The bill requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create a new rate class for the largest energy users in the state. (data centers and other high-volume users). These regulations would only apply to customers in the for-profit utility's service areas of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. The League has approved being listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . 
 
 
 Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV 
 
 
 Citizens Utility Board CUB presentation here . 
 
 
 SB 1143 : NEW bill , PH was 3/19 and Work session 4/2, SEE , PUC established a pilot program that allows each NG Co to develop a utility-scale thermal energy network (TEN) pilot project to provide heating and cooling services to customers. Senator Lieber, Sollman, Representative Levy B, Senator Smith DB, Representative Andersen, Marsh. Example: Introduction to the MIT Thermal Energy Networks (MITTEN) Plan for Rapid and Cost-Effective Campus Decarbonization. 
 Climate Solutions : Thermal Energy Networks win win : 
 Carbon sequestration/storage: See DOGAMI Agency Budget (see Natural Resources Legislative Report) – Geologic Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Interactive Map | U.S. Geological Survey ( usgs.gov ) .
 
 
 
 Priority Bills that died in policy committee Some of these related to funding may appear in the end of session reconciliation (Xmas tree) bill. HB 3477 : Update to Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Goals. League testimony . House Climate, Energy, and Environment (CEE), Sponsored by Rep GAMBA, Sen Frederick, Golden, Patterson, Pham K, Taylor 
 
 
 SB 680 : Climate Science/Greenwashing, Sen. Golden and Manning, moved to Judiciary , no recommendation, (SJ) PH was 2/26 Campos, Frederick, Gorsek, Patterson, Prozanski, Taylor 
 
 
 
 Climate Emergency JWM Budget Concerns In order to stay on track, the Legislature must prioritize investments for vital environmental justice, climate and community protection programs (CPP). Without additional appropriations this session, the following existing successful climate, CPP and environmental justice programs may run out of funding: Community Renewable Energy Grant Program (ODOE) 
 
 Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE) 
 
 Community Heat Pump Program (ODOE) 
 
 Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program/Charge Ahead (DEQ) 
 
 Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Rebates + Infrastructure Grants (DEQ) 
 
 Community Resilience Hubs and Networks (ODHS) 
 
 Climate Change Worker Relief Fund (DAS) 
 
 Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program (ODOE) 
 
 Natural & Working Lands Fund (OWEB) Senate E&E Committee SB 88 (Get the Junk Out of Rates) – Prohibits an electric or gas utility from recovering from ratepayers’ costs or expenses associated with advertising, political influence activity, litigation, penalties or fines and certain compensation. The committee voted unanimously to refer the bill to Rules without recommendation. SB 688-5 – Allows the PUC to adopt a framework for carrying out performance-based regulation of electric utilities, and appropriates $500,000 to PUC for that purpose. The fiscal note estimates an all-funds impact of $974,013 and 0.75 FTE in 2025-27, including $750K GF and the rest funded through the PUC’s annual fee on regulated utilities. The committee voted to move the bill to Joint W&M with a do-pass recommendation (Robinson nay). The committee also heard testimony on SB 1178 , which would require that 10% of electricity sold in Oregon by each IOU be generated by small-scale renewable energy facilities (capacity of 20 Mw or less) or biomass facilities that are not owned by the IOU. Current law provides that at least 10% of the aggregate electrical capacity of all IOUs in Oregon be generated by small-scale renewable energy or biomass facilities. As explained by James Williams, Community Renewable Energy Assn., electrical capacity is only one-third of actual generation, so this bill would triple the amount of independently produced small-scale power the utilities would have to sell. He said these small projects are important for rural economies and more palatable than large projects. PGE and PacifiCorp oppose the bill, saying it greatly expands the small-scale renewable mandate in HB 2021, "moves the goalpost" and cuts against the legislature’s intent to address utility bill increases. House CE&E - March 25 HB 3823 Revenue without recommendation. The bill would provide a property tax break for personal property used by a business to generate or store energy for consumption by the business on its premises. Rep. Gamba asked for the record that Revenue clarify whether diesel generators installed at data centers would also be included in the exemption – he believes they are real property and thus would still be taxed -- and whether the exemption would apply to actual battery storage systems. Chair Lively carried over work sessions on the following bills because expected amendments are not ready yet: HB 3336 – Declares state policy for electric utilities to a. Meet the required clean energy targets set forth in ORS 469A.410; b. Develop sufficient resources to meet load growth; c. Create efficiencies and resilience in the transmission system; and d. Maintain energy affordability. Utilities would have to file strategic plans with the PUC for using grid enhancing technologies (defined in the bill) where doing so is cost-effective and update the plans every two years. A utility would have to carry out its first filed strategic plan by January 1, 2030. HB 2961 – Increases the percentage of electrical service capacity for EV charging that must be installed in parking garages or other parking areas of new multifamily and mixed-use buildings with privately owned commercial space and five or more residential dwelling units HB 2063-1 to Joint W&M with a do-pass recommendation. It would create the Agrivoltaics Task Force staffed by DLCD. Fiscal impact estimate is $238,978 for 0.75 FTE to manage the project. The committee held a work session on HB 2961 , which would raise the percentage of EV charging capacity that must be installed in parking garages or other parking areas of new multifamily and mixed-use buildings with privately owned commercial space and five or more residential units. The proposed -4 amendment would raise the threshold for installation from 5 residential units to 10, a concession to rural communities. Rep. Osborne strongly opposed the bill, saying it will raise the cost of housing, and pushed the -2 amendment, which would delay the mandate until criteria for new housing construction, housing costs, homelessness, and electricity rates are met for four consecutive years. The committee could not agree on whether to vote on the amendments. Chair Lively said more amendments are not feasible as “we’ve overloaded Lege Council.” He carried over the WS to allow more discussion offline. The chair also carried over another half dozen work sessions on bills for which amendments and/or fiscal impact statements were not available. These included HB 3336 , requiring electric utilities to file strategic plans with the PUC for using grid enhancing technologies (GETs), which had been carried over previously. House CE&E - March 27 HB 3868 – Requires ODOE to study avoided costs paid to qualifying facilities under the federal Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) compared with the costs incurred by IOUs to acquire or maintain renewable energy generation facilities. Rep. Helm said the data used to calculate avoided costs for rate setting are in a “black box” that the IOUs bring to PUC. The bill would bring transparency to avoided-cost calculations. CREA and OSSIA supported while PGE opposed, noting that PUC has a regulatory docket open on this process and the bill might conflict with that determination. HB 3874 – Increases from 50 MW to 100 MW the minimum size that a wind energy facility needs to be before the facility must obtain a site certificate from the Energy Facility Siting Council. CREA and Renewable Northwest supported; no opposition. HB 3927 – Requires ODOE to study the need to expand electric transmission infrastructure in Oregon. It would create the Oregon Electric Transmission Expansion Fund and appropriate $8 billion over the next five biennia for deposit in the fund. The -1 amendment would lower the long-term appropriation to $1.6 billion. More amendments are coming to expand the scope of the required study. Rep. Edwards argued for the bill saying energy transmission is economic development, and our outdated infrastructure causes lost jobs and lost revenue for local governments Environmental Caucus Session Update - Bipartisan Environmental Caucus Session Update - bipartisan (abridged) March 24, 2025 April 9 is the upcoming deadline for most bills to have a work session and get voted out of their committees and onto the floor of the first chamber. You'll see a lot of activity in committees over the next few weeks in efforts to keep bills alive. Bills in Joint committees, in Rules, Revenue, and Conduct are exempt from this timeline. Environmental Caucus Priority Bills We're Watching This Week SJR 28 is a ballot referral for the 2026 general election that asks Oregonians to vote on whether or not to enshrine the right to a healthy environment in the Oregon constitution. You might be familiar with this concept from last year's ruling in Montana that sided in favor of Our Children's Trust, who were suing the state over their right to a clean and healthful environment. You can find out more about the Oregon effort here . The Oregon Legislature’s Environmental Caucus is composed of members who believe that our state requires bold environmental action and are dedicated to furthering policy that benefits the natural resources, wildlife, economy, and communities of Oregon. Current Members Sen. Jeff Golden Rep. Mark Gamba Rep. Courtney Neron Sen. Khanh Pham Rep. Tom Andersen Rep. Ben Bowman Sen. Anthony Broadman Rep. Farrah Chaichi Rep. Willy Chotzen Rep. David Gomberg Sen. Chris Gorsek Rep. Ken Helm Rep. Zach Hudson Rep. John Lively Rep. Pam Marsh Rep. Travis Nelson Rep. Mark Owens Sen. Deb Patterson Sen. Kathleen Taylor Rep. Jules Walters Please find additional info in Natural Resource Legislative reports including reports addressing carbon sequestration / storage, geothermal energy geological / fracking issues, wildfire and energy facility siting / land use issues. News and Commission Meetings Oregon Climate Action Commission to Meet Virtually on April 11, 2025 — Energy Info Gov. Kotek seeks answers from state utility commission amid public outcry over rising utility rates : In a letter to the Public Utility Commission, Kotek asked for more information about how the commission would keep rates low following 50% rate hikes in last five years |OCC US Supreme Court will not hear novel youth-led climate change case | Reuters Trump admin considers killing big energy projects in Dem states - POLITICO Trump funding uncertainty threatens rapid bus plan , other Portland climate projects - oregonlive.com Electric vehicle owners don't buy gas. States look for other ways to pay for roads and bridges. - AP Oregon, nine other states hit 2013 goal of getting 3.3 million electric vehicles on roads by 2025 - Oregon Capital Chronicle Portland councilors discuss safety of storing oil in an industrial hub sitting on a quake zone - OPB Oregon fire officials say PacifiCorp didn't cause Santiam Fire, contradicting federal reports, jury decision - OPB Oregon farmers say they're losing land to luxury homes and $800-a-night B & Bs. Hotly debated bills aim to fix that - The Oregonian Hundreds support pausing Oregon's investment in private fossil fuel holdings but Treasury opposed - Oregon Capital Chronicle Oregon lawmakers propose wildfire funding solutions bill - OPB Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 3/24 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Climate Priority Advocacy Groups Climate Priorities with League Testimony Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Climate Treasury Investment Bills Natural and Working Lands Other Priorities Priority Bills That Died In Policy Committee Climate Emergency JWM Budget Concerns Senate E&E Committee House CEE 3/20/25 This week we added another Environmental Justice bill: SB 54 : Work Session 3/31. The bill requires landlords provide cooling for residential units . The League endorsed and added our name to a OJTA Oregon Justice Transition Alliance, sign-on letter . HB2548 : establishes an agriculture workforce labor standards board, League Testimony . Work Session is 4/2. Climate Priority Advocacy Groups For the first time, this year most of our priorities are included in the bipartisan 2025 Legislative Environmental Caucus Priorities , Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Priorities and/or Oregon Conservation Network (OCN) priorities . OCN is the only formal environmental lobby coalition group in the capitol. Consequently, for some of these bills (especially those in a package) the League may just join coalition sign-on letters rather than providing individual testimony. Climate Priorities with League Testimony with League Endorsement and Still Alive HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing Task Force, Work Session 3/6/2025 passed to Joint Ways and Means (JWM), Representative Gamba, Senator Golden, Frederick, Representative Andersen, Evans , House Commerce and Consumer Protection (H CCP) 
 League Testimony 
 
 
 HB 3170 : Community Resilience Hubs and networks : Work Session 3/4, passed to JWM, DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony 
 
 Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package The following four bills are part of a package which was the subject of public hearings February 27 and March 6 in the House Energy Management, General Government, and Veterans Committee: HB 215 1: Testimony ; Work session 3/27 HB 2152 : Testimony ; work session 3/27 HB 2949 : T estimony ; work session 3/27 HB 3450 : Testimony , work session 3/27, see also CEI Hub Seismic Risk Analysis HB 3450 CEI energy storage transition plan, HEMGGV, League Comments 
 
 work session 3/27. Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability Package 
 HB 3081 ( League testimony ) work session 3/27, creates an active navigator to help access energy efficiency incentives all in one place SB 88 ( League testimony ) work session 3/24, limits the ability of utility companies to charge ratepayers for lobbying, litigation costs, fines, marketing, industry fees, and political spending. In addition to our testimony, LWVOR joined the Oregon Conservation Network, coordinated through the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, in sign-on letters supporting both HB 3081 and SB 88. PH 3 / 4 Climate Treasury Investment Bills SB 681 : Treasury: Fossil Fuel investment moratorium, Senate Finance and Revenue, PH 3/19. testimony. Sen Golden. HB 2200 requested by Treasury Sec Tobias ESG investing, identified as the compromise bill. League – NO Comment, PH was 3/13 and work session 3/27. Natural and Working Lands HB 5039 financial administration of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; JWM NR SC, League testimony 
 
 
 HB 3103-1 – work session 3/31. Overweight Timber Harvest , H ALUNRW, League Oppose Testimony , -1 amendment . Other Priorities HB 2566 : w -3 Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects , Work Session 3/20, moved to JWM, Rep Gamba was the only nay, Governor Tina Kotek, , (H CEE), DOE presentation 
 
 
 
 HB 3365 : work session 4/7, climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, House Cm Educ, PH was 3/12, League Testimony Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald , Rep Andersen, Gamba, Lively, Neron, Senator Patterson, Pham, Taylor. 
 
 SJR 28 : PH 3/26 Environmental Rights Constitutional – Referral, Senate Rules , Senator Golden, Representatives,Andersen, Gamba, SenatorsManning Jr, Prozanski, Representative Tran . The League has tentative plans to write testimony (comments only) on this bill. SB 1187 new Climate cost recovery Liability interagency bill , PH 4/7, work session 4/9, Sen. Golden, Senate Energy and Environment 
 
(Replaces SB 679 and SB 682 : SB 688 : Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, PH 3/12,& 3/19, work session 3/24, League testimony , three proposed amendments , Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham, SEE 
 
 SB 827 : Solar and Storage Rebate, SEE Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, Senate voted 21-7, moves to House 3/4 

 first reading. 
 referred to H CEE 3/10 HB 3546 , the POWER Act , work session 3/27, PR was 3/6, The bill requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create a new rate class for the largest energy users in the state. (data centers and other high-volume users). These regulations would only apply to customers in the for-profit utility's service areas of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. The League has approved being listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . 
 
 Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV 
 
 Citizens Utility Board CUB presentation here . 
 
 SB 1143 : NEW bill , PH was 3/19 and Work session 4/2, SEE , PUC established a pilot program that allows each NG Co to develop a utility-scale thermal energy network (TEN) pilot project to provide heating and cooling services to customers. Senator Lieber, Sollman, Representative Levy B, Senator Smith DB, Representative Andersen, Marsh. Example: Introduction to the MIT Thermal Energy Networks (MITTEN) Plan for Rapid and Cost-Effective Campus Decarbonization. Climate Solutions : Thermal Energy Networks win win : Carbon sequestration/storage: See DOGAMI Agency Budget (see Natural Resources Legislative Report) – Geologic Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Interactive Map | U.S. Geological Survey ( usgs.gov ) .
 
 
 Priority Bills that died in policy committee Some of these related to funding may appear in the end of session reconciliation (Xmas tree) bill. HB 3477 : Update to Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Goals. League testimony . House Climate, Energy, and Environment (CEE), Sponsored by Rep GAMBA, Sen Frederick, Golden, Patterson, Pham K, Taylor 
 
 SB 680 : Climate Science/Greenwashing, Sen. Golden and Manning, moved to Judiciary , no recommendation, (SJ) PH was 2/26 Campos, Frederick, Gorsek, Patterson, Prozanski, Taylor 
 
 
 Climate Emergency JWM Budget Concerns In order to stay on track, the Legislature must prioritize investments for vital environmental justice, climate and community protection programs (CPP). Without additional appropriations this session, the following existing successful climate, CPP and environmental justice programs may run out of funding: Community Renewable Energy Grant Program (ODOE) 
 Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE) 
 Community Heat Pump Program (ODOE) 
 Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program/Charge Ahead (DEQ) 
 Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Rebates + Infrastructure Grants (DEQ) 
 Community Resilience Hubs and Networks (ODHS) 
 Climate Change Worker Relief Fund (DAS) 
 Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program (ODOE) 
 Natural & Working Lands Fund (OWEB) (excerpt from OCEN network message) 
 Senate E&E Committee On 3/19, the committee heard testimony on SB 1143 , which would direct the PUC to establish a pilot program allowing natural gas utilities to develop pilot projects for a utility-scale thermal energy network (TEN) to provide heating and cooling services for customers. A TEN is a network of pipes and heat pumps using noncombustible fluids to distribute thermal energy among buildings connected to the network, potentially reducing or eliminating green house gas emissions and improving energy efficiency. Within 2 years of the act’s effective date, each utility would have to file a proposal, which the PUC would evaluate according to specified criteria, for developing and operating a TEN and measuring its effectiveness, or an explanation for not doing so. The PUC would have to allow the utilities to recover prudent costs and expenses of the pilot project from all ratepayers. The -1 amendment would require project contractors to ensure that journey workers comprise escalating percentages of workers employed on a project depending on the project initiation date, among other labor provisions. Washington and seven other states have passed similar legislation. Cascade NG and Northwest Natural support the bill, as do Climate Solutions and other environmental groups and labor union reps, with no opposing testimonies. CUB was silent on the record. House CEE 3/20/25 The committee moved two bills to the House floor with a do-pass recommendation and prior referral to Joint W&M: HB 2566-3 would make stand-alone energy resilience projects eligible for grants under ODOE’s Community Renewable Energy Grant program, renamed the Community Renewable and Resilient Energy Investment Fund. The -3 amendment would require ODOE to allocate 20% of program funds for resilience projects, vs. “20% or less” in the introduced bill, to win the support of consumer-owned and municipal utilities and co-ops. The set-aside would not require a resilience project to be based on renewables. Fiscal impact is $186,000 in Other Funds and 0.75 FTE for 2025-27. The fund has a current balance of $60 million, about half reserved for projects that have not yet been distributed. Rep. Gamba voted against moving the bill on the grounds that it would take money away from deserving renewable projects. HB 3172-2 would direct the Department of the State Fire Marshal (DSFM) and DCBS to establish and implement the Wildfire Prepared Structure Program, providing grants to retrofit existing dwellings and rebuild dwellings damaged by wildfires. It would provide an unspecified GF appropriation to DSFM for 2025-27. The committee also heard testimony on the following bills: HB 3823 would create a property tax break for personal property used by a business (other than a utility) to generate or store energy for consumption by the business on its premises. Personal property includes on-site generators and battery units, vs. real property such as rooftop solar panels. Rep. Gomberg said a coming amendment would allow local jurisdictions to opt in rather than making this a mandate and would specify that the exemption applies only to new investments rather than those made in the past. Gomberg is working with AOC on the amendment. He asked the committee to forward the bill to Revenue without recommendation. HB 3747 would create a refundable income tax credit for the purchase of battery energy and solar photovoltaic electric systems. The credit amounts would be $1,000 for a solar photovoltaic system, $2,500 for a battery storage system, $3,500 for a paired system. OSSIA supports, noting that the state's Solar and Storage Rebate Program has run out of funds and the outlook for federal tax credits is highly uncertain. The proposed tax credits would support local jobs in small to medium-sized businesses. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Childcare In Oregon LWVOR's recently published study, Childcare In Oregon, is meant to inform our advocacy at the state and local levels. At Convention 2021, LWV of Washington County proposed a restudy of LWVOR's 1985 Childcare Position . The current pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated childcare issues and inequities. The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on January 23rd, 2023. Child care concerns have changed dramatically since our 1988 - Childcare In Oregon publication. Our advocacy position has not changed. You can find a downloadable version of the restudy here. For more information, contact Kathleen Hersh .

Redistricting In Oregon Redistricting, or community districting, is the process of creating representational district maps for states and local communities. By determining which neighborhoods are included in each mapped boundary, redistricting impacts how our communities are represented in the US and local government and determines how resources are distributed. We believe Oregon voters should choose their politicians. Politicians should not choose their voters. Learn more about the current People Not Politicians Independent Redistricting Commission campaign.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - September Interim Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Action Alerts Oregon Global Warming Commission (OGWC) Climate County, State, Federal, and Global Lawsuits Climate Lawsuit News Our Children’s Trust Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator and team Please consider joining the CE team; we have several critical openings. Contact us through our “Get In Touch” website form for further information about volunteer opportunities. We expect transportation to be a major policy topic during the 2025 long legislative session. Energy Policy: Arlene Sherrett and Greg Martin Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Forestry: Josie Koehne Efficient & Resilient Buildings: Arlene Sherrett Transportation: Vacant NWL Agriculture: Vacant Public Health: Vacant Fossil Fuel (FF) Infrastructure: Vacant Our Children’s Trust and other Climate Lawsuits: Claudia Keith Climate Change Budget/Funding, OEA/Risk disclosure, ESG/FF divestment Treasury: Claudia Keith Action Alerts LWVOR ALERT to Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) Climate Protection Program Rulemaking staff and the Environmental Quality Commission . Their Deadline is Oct 13, 2023. The League continues to advocate for strong ODEQ Climate Protection Program (CPP) rules. We have been participating in the CPP rulemaking since its inception in 2021. We cite our own LWVOR public comments from the Oct 5, 2023, CPP rulemaking. The League of Women Voters of Oregon (LWVOR) strongly supports the CPP’s primary goals as identified by ODEQ from the beginning of its original rulemaking: Emissions: Achieve significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions Equity: Promote benefits and alleviate burdens for environmental justice communities and impacted communities Costs: Contain costs for businesses and consumers LWVOR & LWV ALERT : Urge Congress to Address the Climate Crisis & Protect Our Youth ! “Do not let future generations inherit the climate crisis. Urge your Members of Congress to cosponsor the Children’s Fundamental Rights and Recovery Resolution to address climate change and protect our youth’s rights and future!”. Learn more by reading: Markey Joins Merkley, Colleagues in Introducing Resolution for Climate Recovery Planning to Stand Up for Children’s Fundamental Right to a Healthy, Livable Planet ’ Oregon Global Warming Commission (OGWC) August 2023 Meeting Notes By Greg Martin Introduction The Oregon Global Warming Commission, created by the 2007 Oregon Legislature through House Bill 3543, is charged with tracking trends in greenhouse gas emissions and recommending ways to coordinate state and local efforts to reduce emissions in Oregon. Opening remarks and commissioner updates. Chair Macdonald introduced new commissioner Rep. Bobby Levy. Megan Decker, OPUC (Oregon Public Utility Commission). HB 2021 requires Portland General Electric (PGE) and Pacific Power (PP) to plan to achieve aggressive GHG (greenhouse gas) reductions by 2050 as part of the CPP, Climate Protection Program. The CPP sets a declining cap on GHG emissions from fossil fuels with the goal to dramatically reduce these emissions over the next 30 years. OPUC oversight can guide the utilities toward that goal but regulatory enforcement has its limitations. OPUC requires comprehensive forward planning every two years and is now in the middle of reviewing the utilities’ first plans addressing HB 2021. The next two-year planning phase will begin in 2024 and public engagement is important. The utility websites detail opportunities for engagement. Oregon Renewable Energy Siting Assessment (ORESA) ODOE Facility Siting Division staff presented an overview of the ORESA project . ORESA was funded by a $1.1 million U.S. DOD grant. A key goal is compatibility of renewable energy siting with military facilities. The online mapping/reporting tool, Oregon Explorer , provides layers of comprehensive GIS data for energy development and other purposes, including data on “community [EJ] considerations.” The ORESA project report , a key deliverable for the grant, found that Oregon has enough renewable energy potential to meet its energy and climate goals, though tradeoffs will be needed and challenges related to transmission infrastructure will have to be met. ODOE’s 2022 Biennial Energy Report: Charting a Course for Oregon’s Energy Future ODOE’s Amy Schlusser presented a policy brief overview. Oregon’s electricity demand is projected to increase by 50 to 100% by 2050. We will need to replace existing fossil resources with tens of gigawatts of new renewable resources – a substantial effort under any scenario – while increasing energy efficiency to offset demand growth as much as possible. High costs and land use impacts will be significant challenges. We need to identify optimal pathways to achieve the needed buildout, including determining the future role of natural gas (NG). The demand for NG is projected to drop dramatically, mainly in building and industrial sectors, but some reserve capacity will be needed to ensure grid reliability. The policy brief recommended the state undertake a robust stakeholder process to develop a comprehensive state energy strategy. HB 3630 enacted in 2023 directs ODOE to take on this task and ODOE is in the early stages of planning and contracting. Key questions include costs vs. benefits, how much clean energy we need and how fast can we develop it, how we will protect vulnerable communities, and balance farm and forest land protection against the need for new transmission, etc. Legislative Update from ODOE Christy Splitt presented an overview of ODOE’s 2023 Legislative Report , an excellent summary of background and key provisions of climate-related bills enacted this session (including budget bills), as well as some bills not passed. Helpfully, it breaks out the many disparate topics of the two major Climate Package bills with reference to the bills of origin. The GOP walkout and the large number of new members helped shape the session outcomes, but the main factor that made a difference in climate legislation was the higher-than-expected state budget – e.g., making additional dollars available for energy incentive programs. Major themes:the Resilient Efficient Buildings Task Force Pre-session work paid off, as the highest-profile measures passed as part of the Climate Package. The Building Performance Standard program in HB 3409 was the largest of many tasks added to ODOE’s plate. Resilient communities (resilience hubs and plans, grid resilience, more incentive dollars) were another important focus of response to the 2020 wildfires and 2021 heat dome. Sen. Dembrow called it a “surprisingly positive” session in that we moved forward on issues we’ve been talking about for some time. He plans to bring back the GHG reduction targets (deleted from the Climate Package) in the next session with the goal of setting the targets in statute. Draft OGWC Work Plan presentation and discussion The commission’s draft work plan through 2024 was available for public and agency comment through Friday, September 1. Commission discussion focused on how to rationalize the plan for performing all of the new tasks assigned to ODOE. The next meeting was set for late Sept. or early Oct., topics including the Institute for Natural Resources report on Natural and Working Lands work undertaken during the past year. ----- OGWC Oct 9 Meeting Agenda and Meeting Materials OEA & Security Exchange Commission (SEC): The League Responds to SEC Proposal to Require Climate Risk Disclosure | League of Women Voters.(The June 2022 LWVUS testimony was proposed by LWVOR Action Committee). Related, The League is monitoring the OEA Oregon quarterly economic / revenue forecasts to the Legislature. These reports continue to ignore climate risk disclosure. Related NEWS: Oct 2023, Recent ESG developments point to progress despite polarized US political climate - Thomson Reuters Institute. Oct 2023, What CPAs Need to Know About the SEC Climate-Related Risk Proposal - The CPA Journal. Fossil Fuel Infrastructure Expansion – “Notably absent from the agenda Thursday morning was the proposed GTN Xpress project, which would increase the flow of natural gas through an existing pipeline system in parts of Idaho, Washington state and Oregon.“ “ Yesterday, Oregon Democratic Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden urged FERC to deny the project , arguing that it was incompatible with Oregon and Washington’s climate goals. EE Wire : “Oregon senators: Gas pipeline 'not in the public interest'. Note, In 2015 LWV Portland and LWVOR provided public testimonies opposing any major Oregon Fossil Fuel infrastructure expansion. Portland Oil Storage: Newly obtained records show Portland officials’ private interactions with Zenith Energy - Zenith Energy’s fossil fuel storage and transport facility faces criticism for potential environmental dangers, particularly in the event of an earthquake.| Street Roots. State Treasury: Counter to ESG / Climate Risk analysis recommendations the July 2023, Treasury has increased the Fossil Fuel investment portfolio. Multnomah County chose to sue Big Oil and McKinsey for climate damage … and the Oregon Treasury chose to invest in Big Oil and hire McKinsey . The OIC (Oregon Investment Council ) Sept 2023 meeting agenda and report . Oregon Attorney General DOJ Climate work: OFFICE OF THE AG, Spotlight: Warming Climate (list of a number of DOJ actions related to Climate issues) Climate County, State, Federal and Global Lawsuits Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Gas, oil companies argue against Oregon’s emission deadlines during Court of Appeals hearing -- Several dozen people gathered afterwards to support those rules, which require a 50% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. -– Oregon Capital Chronicle. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are several active state federal lawsuits , (Sept 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, that challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 67 lawsuits , mentioning OREGON. Youth vs Europe: 'Unprecedented' climate trial unfolds at rights court | Reuters. Climate Change in Court: New Trends and Legal Grounds - Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA | CGEP. (GUEST Michael B. Gerrard, Andrew Sabin Professor of Professional Practice, Director, Center for Climate Change Law, Columbia Law School) Climate Lawsuit News Montana appeals climate change ruling for youth plaintiffs - Los Angeles Times. Hawaii youth-led climate lawsuit advances in the background of Maui wildfires - As residents of Hawaii work to help their neighbors on Maui recover from the worst fire in the state’s history, young people are demanding more accountability from local leaders. - A group of youth, including many indigenous to Hawaii, are suing the state’s Department of Transportation over climate change. | Wbur : Here & Now Our Children’s Trust October 4, 2023 Human Rights Organizations, Children’s Rights Advocates, Legal Scholars File Amicus Briefs in Support of Utah Youth Climate Case September 20, 2023 Attorneys for Youth Plaintiffs in Natalie R. v. State of Utah Make Case for Constitutional Climate Case to Be Heard in Court September 19, 2023 Announcing “Overturning 1.5°C: Calling for the Science Turn in Rights-Based Climate Litigation” I-5 Portland/Vancouver Bridge: I-5 Bridge Bipartisan group of Washington lawmakers tours I-5 Bridge - Program administrator: It’s important for people to see project urgency, Sept 2023, The Columbian. Recommended Newsletters: Senator Dembrow Senator Golden Rep Pam Marsh Volunteers Needed Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in critical policy science/technology, finance, and law areas. We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 4/28 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics Environmental Justice Bills Climate Priorities with League Testimony , League Endorsement Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment Climate Treasury Investment Bills Natural and Working Lands Other Climate Bills Priority Bills That Died In Policy Committee Climate Emergency JWM Budget Concerns Highlights of House and Senate Chamber Votes Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Oregon Treasurer: Oregon Divest A few federal court rulings have favorably affected Biden admin IRA funding despite the current administration’s attempt to freeze the minutes. ‘The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act ‘, provides an expanded overview of funding in Oregon. Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics Transportation Package Priorities The League supports OCN and other statewide NGO budget priorities: Increase funding above 2017 levels for public transit Increase funding above 2017 levels for a safe, complete multimodal system (i.e. GreatStreets , Safe Routes to School, Oregon Community Paths, and bike/ped both on-street and trails, etc.) Dedicated or increased revenue for light, medium and heavy-duty vehicle incentives, including for charging and purchasing of ZEVs (🡪 See NR LR for additional details) Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability The League joined a coalition sign-on letter this past week requesting funding to support building resilience. The goal is to use affordable measures to protect people from extreme weather. One Stop Shop 2.0/Energy Efficiency Navigation ( HB 3081 ): This bill would create a navigation program at ODOE to help Oregonians access federal, state, local, and utility energy efficiency incentives all in one place. Get the Junk Out of Rates ( SB 88 ): This bill would stop utilities from charging certain expenses like lobbying, advertising, association fees to customers. Protecting Oregonians with Energy Responsibility (POWER Act) ( HB 3546 ): This bill ensures Oregon households are not unfairly burdened by large energy users with grid and transmission costs. Full Funding for Climate Resilience programs Reinvesting the same amount as last biennium in three programs: Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE), $30m Community Heat Pump Deployment Program (ODOE), $15m Community Resilience Hubs (OREM), $10m ( House Bill 3170 ) Environmental Justice Bills HB2548 : establishes an agriculture workforce labor standards board, League Testimony . Work Session was held 4/9 passed 4/3, with no amendments, no recommendation and referred to House Rules. 
 
It is unclear why this bill is inactive. Climate Priorities with League Testimony with League Endorsement and Still Alive By Claudia Keith HB 3170 : Community Resilience Hubs and networks : Work Session 3/4, passed to JWM, DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony 
 
 
 
 Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Update HB 215 1: Testimony ; appears dead 
 
 HB 2152 : Testimony ; work session held 4/8 , passed, moved to Joint Ways and Means (JWM) -2 amendments , Staff Measure Summary (SMS) . $1M+ 
fiscal HB 2949 : T estimony ; work session held 4/8 , passed to JWM w -5 amendment new SMS . 
 fiscal is not available, will be completed if the bill gets a hearing in JWM NR SC. HB 3450 A Testimony , work session held, 4/8 passed adopted amendment -1 . 
 fiscal >1M$. referred to JWM 4/11 S ee CEI Hub Seismic Risk Analysis ( The study, Impacts of Fuel Releases from the CEI Hub, is intended to characterize and quantify the anticipated damages from the CEI Hub in the event of the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) Earthquake.) CEI energy storage transition plan 
, The Bigger Picture: ASCE's ( American Society of Civil Engineers , founded in 1852 ), Oregon C- grade Infrastructure Report Card . Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment At this point in the session, it is unclear if SJR 28 has enough support to move out of Sen Rules. SJR 28 proposed -1 amendment , Environmental Rights Constitutional amendment (ERA) S enate Joint Resolution - with referral to the 2026 ballot, public hearing was 3/26 . The League provided support with comments testimony . The bill is in Senate Rules , so the Legislative first chamber deadlines are not applicable. A Work Session is not yet scheduled. The -1 a mendment is a partial rewrite and may address the League’s concerns. LWVUS has provided guidance since over 26 states have - or are in the process of voting on green / environmental rights constitutional topics or initiatives. These usually take the form of a legislative referral to the people. The New Mexico green amendment campaign focuses on racial justice. Climate Treasury Investment Bills SB 681 : May be still active: Treasury: Fossil Fuel investment moratorium, in Sen F&R, PH 3/19. testimony. Sen Golden. 
 
 
 
 HB 2200 -1 , work session was 4/8, bill was requested by previous Treasury Sec Tobias and supported by Treasurer Steiner, related to ESG investing , identified as the compromise bill. League chose not to comment, could move to the floor, no JWM required. 
 (still in H EMGGV, still awaiting transfer to desk) 
 HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing / public bank Task Force , Work Session 3/6/2025 passed to Joint Ways and Means (JWM), fiscal: $1.3M , League Testimony , Rep Gamba, Senator,Golden, Frederick, Rep Andersen, Evans 
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 Historically, since 2009 Public banking policy topic has been included in many Leg sessions, (go here and then use Control F to search for ‘bank’. ) 22 bills mentioning Public and Bank have died in committee over the past 16 years. Natural and Working Lands HB 5039 financial administration of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; JWM NR SC, League testimony 
 
 
 
 
 
 HB 3103A – work session was 3/31. Moved to JWM, Overweight Timber Harvest , , League Testimony , new adopted -5 amendment . 
 
 
 Other Climate Bills HB 2566A : Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects , Work Session was 3/20, moved to JWM, Rep Gamba was the only nay. At the request of Governor Tina Kotek (H CEE), DOE presentation 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 HB 3365 A: climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, 4/21 moved to Sen Ed, 4/17 passed House 32/23, work session was 4/9, moved to floor with adopted amendment -4 . House Cm Educ, PH was 3/12, League Testimony , NO Fiscal noted , Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald , SB 688 A: -5 , Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, PH 3/12,& 3/19, work session was 3/24, updated $974K fiscal , moved to JWM , League testimony , Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham, 
 
 
 
 
 
 SB 827A : Solar and Storage Rebate , SEE Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, Senate voted 21-7, moves to House 3/4 

 first reading. 
 referred to H CEE 3/10 
 
, PH 4/22 
 
, work session 5/1. HB 3546A , -3 the POWER Act , in Sen E&E , House vote was 4/21. The bill requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create a new rate class for the largest energy users in the state. (data centers and other high-volume users). These regulations would only apply to customers in the for-profit utility's service areas of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. NO Fiscal, on its way to the floor. The League has approved being listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . 
 
 
 
 
 
 HB 3189 Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV , Citizens Utility Board CUB presentation here . 
 
 
 
 
 
 SB 1143A : -3 , moved to JWM, with bipartisan vote, PH was 3/19, Work session was 4/7 SEE, PUC established a pilot program that allows each natural gas Co to develop a utility-scale thermal energy network (TEN) pilot project to provide heating and cooling services to customers. Senator Lieber, Sollman, Representative Levy B, Senator Smith DB, Representative Andersen, Marsh. Example: Introduction to the MIT Thermal Energy Networks (MITTEN) Plan for Rapid and Cost-Effective Campus Decarbonization. 
 
 
 HB 3609 work session 4/8, moved to JWM. The measure requires electric companies to develop and file with the Oregon Public Utility Commission a distributed power plant program for the procurement of grid services from customers of the electric company who enroll in the program. H CEE, PH 3/11 
 
 HB 3653 in Sen E&E, PH 4/28, House vote 51 - 9. Allows authorized state agencies to enter into energy performance contracts without requiring a competitive procurement if the authorized state agency follows rules that the Attorney General adopts, negotiates a performance guarantee, and enters into the contract with a qualified energy service company that the ODOE prequalifies and approves. 
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 Priority Bills that died in policy committee Some of these related to funding may appear in the end of session reconciliation (“Christmas tree”) bill. HB 3477 : Update to Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Goals. League testimony . SB 54 :. The bill required landlords to provide cooling for residential units . SB 1187 new Climate cost recovery Liability interagency bill , SB 680 : Climate Science/Greenwashing , Sen. Golden and Manning Climate Emergency JWM Budget Concerns By Claudia Keith This list may still be reflective of the current CE prioritized investments for environmental justice, climate and community protection programs (CPP). Without additional appropriations this session, the following existing successful climate, CPP and environmental justice programs may run out of funding: Community Renewable Energy Grant Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 
 
 Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 
 
 Community Heat Pump Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 
 
 Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program/Charge Ahead (DEQ) 
 
 
 
 
 Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Rebates + Infrastructure Grants (DEQ) 
 
 
 
 
 Community Resilience Hubs and Networks (ODHS) 
 
 
 
 
 Climate Change Worker Relief Fund (DAS) 
 
 
 
 
 Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 
 
 Natural & Working Lands Fund (OWEB) 
 
 
 (See Natural Resources Legislative Reports for budget league testimonies including climate topics in over 14 agencies.) Highlights of House and Senate Chamber Votes April 21: Senate E&E Held a work session on HB 2567 A , which passed the House unanimously in March. The bill would modify the Heat Pump Deployment Program's eligibility criteria, funding distribution, and rebate structures. It would change “Environmental Justice” community to “disadvantaged” community; remove the 15% cap on administrative and marketing expenses and allow ODOE to set the cap by rule; allow ODOE to provide an additional incentive amount of up to $1,000 for contractors who install rental heat pumps in rural or frontier communities (incentives limited to no more than 5% of available funds); and extend the sunset date to 2032. It would provide no additional funding for the rebate program. Senate E&E adopted an -A3 amendment to the House engrossed bill, stating that if ODOE awards a grant to an eligible entity and additional funds become available for the program, ODOE may award additional grant moneys to the eligible entity using the existing performance agreement between the entity and ODOE. The committee voted unanimously to move the bill as amended to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. April 22: House Chamber House voted 41-16, to pass HB 3546 A , a priority bill on the OCN hot list that directs the PUC to provide for a classification of service for large energy use facilities such as data centers. PUC would have to require investor-owned utilities to enter into a 10-year contract with those users to pay a minimum amount or percentage for the term of the contract, which could include a charge for excess demand. Rates for this customer class would have to be proportional to the costs of serving them, including for transmission, distribution, and capacity. IOUs would have to mitigate the risks to other customer classes of paying for the utility’s increased load requirements. The bill would apply only to large users that apply for service on or after the effective date of the act, or to existing users that make significant investments or incur costs after the effective date that could result in increased costs or risks to the IOU's other retail electricity consumers. April 22 Senate By a vote of 20-9, the Senate passed SB 685 A , a bill of support on the OCN hot list. It would require a natural gas utility to provide notice to affected customers and the PUC if the utility plans to increase the amount of hydrogen that is blended with natural gas so that the ratio of H2 to natural gas exceeds 2.5%. At least 60 days before beginning to blend H2, the utility would have to notify each affected customer and file notice with PUC explaining the reason for the increased amount of H2. The utility would have to maintain information about the blending program on its website and enable customers to communicate with the utility about it. The Senate engrossed bill is scaled back from the introduced bill, which would have prohibited a utility from developing or carrying out a project involving H2 production or use without first obtaining PUC approval. Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Here is one example of how to track ODEQ Climate Protection Program cases. Basically, there are a number of active federal lawsuits , Climate Litigation Updates (April 10, 2025) Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 85 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon. Oregon Treasury: Oregon Divest/ Environmental, Social, and Governance Updates 2025 Climate Risk Review: No Place to Hide - May 2025 Published by Divest Oregon: Executive Summary and Praise for Report (see SB 681) Addressing the Risk of Climate Change: A Comparison of US Pension Funds' Net Zero Plans – Jan 2025 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Climate Emergency ? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The short legislative session begins in January of 2026. Many State Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of climate or natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, or Claudia Keith Climate Emergency at peggylynchor@gmail.com Or climatepolicy@lwvor.org . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report section

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 3/13 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Land Use/Housing Recycling Toxics Water Wildfire By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team St. Patrick’s Day has passed. And so has the chance for many of the more than 2,800 bills and resolutions introduced to pass this session. Bills in most policy committees needed to be scheduled for a Work Session by end of day on March 17 unless they are in Revenue, Rules or a Joint Committee. Their next important date is April 4 when they must pass out of the policy committee. One last tip: Watch for the “relating clause” on bills. Any bill can be amended or proposed to be amended if the content of the amendment fits within the relating clause. That’s why LWVOR gets nervous when we see “relating to land use” or “relating to water”! Of course, whatever the content, it must pass both the Senate and House and be signed by the Governor before becoming law. Agriculture The Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) budget ( HB 5002 and HB 5003 ) was heard this week. The Ways and Means ODA presentation provides a great deal of data around Oregon agriculture. Note on page 37 where our nursery and cattle industries continue to vie for top commodity. Budgets/Revenue Look for the Ways and Means Co-Chairs Budget Framework to be provided this week to guide the Subcommittees as they consider all the agency budgets. That Framework will provide the amount of money each Subcommittee should expect to spend for their assigned budgets and any policy bills that might be assigned to them. Of course, the May 17 Revenue Forecast will provide the final guide. The Columbia River Gorge Commission budget ( HB 5008 ) was heard March 13. The League provided testimony in support. The Oregon Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) budget ( HB 5002 and HB 5003 ) was heard March 14-15. Public testimony was due on March 16. Oregon Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) budget ( SB 5509 ) is set for March 20-21 with public testimony on March 22. Dept. of Agriculture grant requests will be heard March 23. Dept. of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) ( HB 5018 and HB 5019 ) budgets the week of March 27. Here’s the DEQ one-pager . Tentative date for the Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) budget ( HB 5043 ) is early April. Here is their one-pager . The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) budget ( SB 5539 & SB 5540 ) is tentatively scheduled the week of April 10. Legislators will need to assure that General Fund monies allocated in 2021-2022 drought and wildfire packages and awarded will be available for reimbursement if the projects go into 2023-25. That funding continuation was not included in the Governor’s budget for OWEB. On March 15, the biennial Harvest Tax bill, HB 2087 , had a public hearing. LWVOR provided comments expressing concerns but supporting if this bill is all that is available for helping fund forestry programs. A Budget Report was provided for HB 2001 that clarifies that some monies are coming from 2021-23 while most from the 2023-25 biennium. The same is true in the Budget Report for HB 5019 . Also, there is a Budget Note on pages 3-4 of the LFO Recommendation. SB 4 , semiconductor funding requests, has amendments and more public hearings and possible Work Sessions. SB 4 currently has a $210 million price tag but amendments could require sessions in House Revenue related to tax credits. 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 HB 3382 , a bill that would provide certain Ports with an exception from our land use planning system to allow dredging and other activities around these Ports without the current public process and federal consistency requirements had a public hearing in the Joint Committee on Transportation . State agencies that administer permits that could be affected by the legislation provided information on their processes and implications of the proposed legislation on certain state permits. The League provided testimony in opposition. This bill is a serious threat to our Coastal Zone Management Plan and we have joined with other coastal advocates to oppose this bill. The only filed testimony in support came from the bill’s sponsor, the Oregon Ports Association, although a number of legislators testified in favor as did former State Rep. Brian Clem who is an investor in a container ship proposal at Coos Bay. The League expects to be engaged in discussions around the main reason for the bill (Coos Bay) as the sponsors seek to find a solution to their wish to deepen and widen the Coos Bay channel. The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) is considering the adoption of amendments to Part Three of the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan (TSP), the Rocky Habitat Management Strategy. A draft of the proposed rules and fiscal statements is available on DLCD’s website. A first public hearing for this rulemaking is set for March 22 in Newport at 12:00PM at the Guin Library on the Hatfield Marine Science Campus. LCDC is scheduled to consider adoption of the new amendments during their April 20-21 meeting. Please contact Casaria Taylor, Casaria.taylor@dlcd.oregon.gov for further information. Address written comments to the Chair LCDC, care of Casaria Taylor via email. If you have questions about the proposed rules, contact Andy Lanier at 503-206-2291, or email: Andy.Lanier@dlcd.oregon.gov . The agenda for LCDC’s April 20 meeting will be available on DLCD’s website . LWVOR has supported this work and may provide testimony before LCDC in April. The Oregon Ocean Science Trust (OOST) has scheduled its next meeting for April 5 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, in-person only but open to the public at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Library Seminar Room – Guin Library,2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport. The meeting will focus exclusively on Strategic Planning. Oregon Ocean Science Trust/Oregon Department of State Lands webpage and Oregon Ocean Science Trust website . Dept. of Environmental Quality By Peggy Lynch SB 835 , a bill that seemed to require that DEQ or county public health, whichever is responsible for septic system permits, to approve the use of the septic system currently used by the primary residence to also allow an accessory dwelling unit to be connected to the same system. LWVOR provided testimony with concerns that seem to be addressed by the -1 amendment . The bill will have a Work Session on March 20. Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) By Peggy Lynch The League provided testimony on a suite of bills with Work Sessions on March 20: SB 220 , SB 221 and SB 222 . You can find our testimony on the bills’ websites. Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch The prospective Board for the ESRF met on March 13 and heard a draft budget presentation. The League continues to follow the transition to a separate state agency, the ESRF Authority, but has concerns regarding the funding for this new agency. It is supposed to survive on minimum timber harvests, grants, federal funds and philanthropic donations. Right now the budget doesn’t pencil out. A new bill, SB 161 with the -1 amendment has been filed to address work to be done and changing a date from July to November. The ESRF website notes a next prospective Board meeting on April 10. Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch The League provided testimony in opposition to HB 3442 , a bill that would require local governments to allow development of certain affordable housing on certain lands within 100-year floodplain or subject to property development constraints under land use regulations related to natural disasters and hazards. Local governments have development codes that should address these issues and the state should not REQUIRE this action. Local governments have a better understanding of the hazards and mitigation that might be needed so housing is placed in safe places. A public hearing was held on March 16 with a Work Session scheduled for March 23. A new bill popped up that would create a new Housing Accountability and Production Office in DLCD: HB 3414 . A public hearing will be held March 23. The bill, filed late, has Speaker Rayfield’s name as one of the sponsors so we are certain that it will continue to be discussed. SB 4 that includes “supersiting” authority by the Governor for many acres of farmland “just in case” the semiconductor industry might want to build a new facility in Oregon is still alive. In the Joint Committee on Semiconductors, the committee can continue the work throughout the session. We provided testimony in opposition only to Section 10 of the bill. A number of amendments have been proposed and public hearings and possible work sessions continue. See above in the Budget/Revenue section of this Report for the status of last week’s housing bills and also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report for details. Reduce/Recycle By Kathy Moyd HB 3220 : Modifies provisions of the electronics recycling program. Expands definition of covered electronic device. Establishes criteria for electronics producer responsibility programs. Directs Environmental Quality Commission to establish fee calculated to cover costs to department of carrying out program. Passed the House Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee with a unanimous vote. SB 545 -1 Directs Oregon Health Authority to adopt rules allowing restaurants to allow consumers to fill consumer-owned containers with food. Requires authority to adopt rules that take effect no later than June 30, 2024. The bill passed the Senate on March 15 per this press release . Toxics As a member of the Oregon Conservation Network, we were pleased to see the OCN Letter in support of HB 3043 , the Toxic Free Kids Act Modernization. LWVOR has engaged in this bill in past sessions. Water By Peggy Lynch The continued scarcity of water in Oregon is the focus of many bills being considered this session. It is unclear which bills listed in our last report will receive a Work Session and stay alive. At the writing of this report, we can share only one: HB 3208 that would expand the Environmental Quality Commission’s authority to annually adjust additional water quality fees up to 3% per year was heard and a work session on this bill is scheduled for March 16. 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. We have an on-going drought throughout Oregon and League members may want to check the U.S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. California is beginning to look much better, but Oregon continues to have concerns. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers Recent actions by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources relating to two wildfire bills, SB 509 and SB 82 , mentioned in the last LR, are detailed below. SB 509-2 , the community wildfire risk reduction bill, was amended to remove elements related to home hardening against wildfire risk, and move them to another bill, SB 80 (notice that it’s “relating to wildfire” and may well be moved to another committee since there is no hearing nor work session scheduled for this bill); and add a 20-year Strategic Plan to holistically address wildfire risk and mitigation. SB 509-2 was forwarded to W&Ms. Meeting details, including all supporting materials, may be found here . Discussing SB 509-2, Chief Mariana Ruiz-Temple of the State Fire Marshal’s office (OSFM) outlined the tasks assigned to their office with this bill, which will include improved communications with the public and developing the 20-year Strategic plan to address wildfire risk mentioned above. In addition, a Neighborhood Protection Cooperative program will be developed, building on an existing Fire Protection Program, designed to help Oregonians reduce their risk, and focusing on communities, where previously the focus has been more on individual parcels. This was in response to having received much feedback from the public that artificial lines between areas hinder progress on resiliency. Also, Senator Golden pointed out the utility/necessity of setting standards for homeowner and community education on defensible space measures that will be recommended by future consultants who will receive training as part of this effort to reduce risk. OSFM is also directed to create a central consolidated website so the public, which has been vocal in its frustration with navigating the over-abundance of online wildfire information sites, may more easily access wildfire information of all types, including grant and educational opportunities, in one place. SB 82-3 addresses wildfire risk and how insurers operate in that space, was amended and forwarded to the chamber floor. Andrew Stolfi, Director/Insurance Commissioner, Department of Consumer Services, gave an overview of the amended bill. The bill gives definitions of terms to provide clarity and outlines a number of consumer protections. Among those, insurers will be required to improve notices they send to consumers that relate to cancellation, non-renewal or increase of premium on their homeowners’ policies, giving them more information about the data behind their decision, and actions homeowners might take to improve their risk and possibly reduce their premiums. In addition, insurers will be required to extend the timeframe in which homeowners must rebuild after wildfire, after much public outcry. Finally, the bill prohibits insurers from using any Wildfire Map created by the State as grounds for cancellation, non-renewal or increase of premium on homeowners’ policies. He mentioned that the insurance companies are in agreement with the measures outlined in the bill. On March 15, Senate Natural Resources held a Work Session on SB 644-4, which removes certain requirements relating to wildfire risk maps, in light of the current absence of a map, for development of accessory dwelling units on lands zoned for rural residential use. The bill was adopted and sent to the chamber floor. A Public Hearing was held on SB 1012 , which provides for a homestead rebuilt by the same owner on the same lot to replace a homestead destroyed by September 2020 wildfires to temporarily have frozen assessed value equal to destroyed homestead assessed value for 2020-2021 property tax year. HB 3446 was mentioned as a bill with similar aims. Next up was SB 839 which directs the State Forestry Department to establish a pilot grant program for the purpose of managing wildfire risk by promoting use of air curtains by persons that make biochar. This method could reduce smoke and particulates related to disposing of removed fuel by 80% according to Senator Brock Smith. The final wildfire bill related hearing was on SB 928 which instructs State Forester, or forest protective association or agency that is under contract or agreement with State Board of Forestry for protection of forestland against fire, and whose protection area is or may be affected by fire on nearby federal lands, to take certain actions to address fire. The aim of this bill is to bolster and improve wildfire response, by leveraging and improving upon existing processes for cooperation and collaboration between Federal and State Departments and Agencies, with direct actions and areas of cooperation outlined more clearly. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The 2023 legislative session is almost halfway over. 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.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 5/26 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Federal Oregon Current Week CE Action Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics Environmental Justice Bills Natural and Working Lands Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Update Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment Oregon Treasury Oregon Public Financing / BANK Other Climate Bills Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Highlights of House and Senate Policy Committee Chamber Votes The League is very concerned about the recent announcement from Legislative leadership. The Transportation Cap and Trade idea has not had any public review including a comprehensive OCN perspective. We understand Oregon’s environmental community was not consulted. See: ‘Oregon lawmakers are now considering a ‘cap-and-trade’ program to fund roads, wildfire prevention’. “… . Among the issues under discussion, according to the memo, is scrapping the state’s existing emissions reduction program (see CPP Climate Protection Plan) and replacing it with a cap-and-trade system now favored by some industry and utility players….” | OPB Oregon lawmakers are now considering a ‘cap-and-trade’ program to fund roads, wildfire prevention – OPB Controversial Cap and Trade Policy Reemerges in Salem - Willamette Week Oregon lawmakers look to reshape cap-and-trade program to pay for transportation needs • Oregon Capital Chronicle See also Transportation in the Natural Resources Legislative Reports. While the primary focus of the LWVOR Action Committee is on Legislation in Oregon, what is happening at the federal level is likely to affect budgeting and other decisions in our state. These climate/energy-related Trump admin policy and budget related executive orders if implemented would drastically affect global UN COP efforts in all fifty states, including Oregon’s climate-related legislation (policy and budget), state agencies, and community climate action plans/state statutes/ targeted outcomes. Federal “In May 2025, the Trump administration and Congress are engaged in a budget process that proposes significant changes to funding for the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), particularly concerning energy and climate-related programs. Key Proposals & Potential Impacts: DOE Budget Cuts: The administration proposed substantial cuts to the DOE budget, including rescinding billions allocated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and reducing funding for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). EPA Budget Cuts: The proposed budget also calls for deep cuts to the EPA, with a focus on eliminating climate change-related programs and regulations. Climate and Renewable Energy Impacts: These budget proposals would significantly reduce funding for climate research, renewable energy development, and energy efficiency programs. The administration's justification for the cuts is to prioritize "American energy dominance" by focusing on fossil fuel research and nuclear energy, according to Science | AAAS . Congressional Action: Congress is currently deliberating on the budget proposals, and the final outcome will depend on negotiations between the House and Senate. Notably, the House has introduced a reconciliation bill that aims to repeal or amend several provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which includes significant climate-related funding. Points of Contention and Uncertainty: Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): The proposed reconciliation bill threatens to rescind unobligated funds from various IRA sections, potentially impacting climate programs implemented by the DOE, EPA, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), according to Columbia University . Energy Star Program: The EPA is planning to end the Energy Star program, which certifies the energy efficiency of appliances. Clean Energy Tax Credits: The House reconciliation bill aims to eliminate or vehicles, potentially slowing the adoption of clean energy technologies. curtail clean energy tax credits for electric vehicles and other alternative fuel Overall, the proposed budget and legislative actions in May 2025 indicate a significant shift in federal priorities regarding energy and climate change, with potential consequences for renewable energy development, environmental regulations, and scientific research. “ ref: AI: Google summary 5/24/25 Science policy this week : May 19, 2025 - AIP.ORG (American Institute of Physics AIP.ORG ) To understand Trump's environmental policy , read Project 2025 - Los Angeles Times House Votes to Undo Industrial Air Pollution Protections | EDF Oregon Oregon State University study finds more than 3,500 animal species threatened by climate change - OPB Rural Oregon’s clean energy investments at risk as Republicans pass Trump’s budget bill - oregonlive.com Oregon joins new electric vehicle coal ition after Congress revokes California’s stricter clean emission rules - oregonlive.com Current Week CE Action The League took no specific CE Actions this week. Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics Transportation Package Priorities (The League supports OCN and other statewide NGO budget priorities:) Increase funding above 2017 levels for public transit
 Increase funding above 2017 levels for a safe, complete multimodal system (i.e. GreatStreets, Safe Routes to School, Oregon Community Paths, and bike/ped both on-street and trails, etc.) 
 Dedicated or increased revenue for light, medium and heavy-duty vehicle incentives, including for charging and purchasing of ZEVs (🡪 See NR LR for additional details) 
 News release: Oregon Department of Transportation needs structural changes to increase transparency, better manage projects, new report says - oregonlive.com Please see Natural Resources Legislative Report on Transportation Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability The League joined a coalition sign-on letter in April requesting funding to support building resilience. The goal is to use affordable measures to protect people from extreme weather. * One Stop Shop 2.0 HB 3081, Resilience hubs HB 3170 And Doe budget : existing programs: Lowering utility bills and increasing comfort and safety– Reinvest in the Oregon Department of Energy’s Heat Pumps incentives- $30 million for Rental Home Heat Pump and $15 million for Community Heat Pump Deployment Programs . Get the Junk Out of Rates ( SB 88 ): This bill would stop utilities from charging certain expenses like lobbying, advertising, association fees to customers. Protecting Oregonians with Energy Responsibility (POWER Act) ( HB 3546 ): This bill ensures Oregon households are not unfairly burdened by large energy users with grid and transmission costs. Full Funding for Climate Resilience programs Reinvesting the same amount as last biennium in three programs: Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE), $30m 
 Community Heat Pump Deployment Program (ODOE), $15m 
 Community Resilience Hubs (OREM), $10m ( House Bill 3170 ) 
 Environmental Justice Bills. (disadvantaged communities) HB 3170 : Community Resilience Hubs and networks : Fiscal $10M Work Session 3/4, passed to JWM, DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony 
 
 
 
 HB2548 : establishes an agriculture workforce labor standards board, League Testimony . Work Session was held 4/9 passed 4/3, with no amendments, no recommendation and in House Rules. It is unclear why this bill is inactive. Natural and Working Lands HB 3489 Timber Severance Tax. House Committee on Revenue. League Testimony for original bill and for -1 Amendment . 
 
 
 HB 5039 financial administration of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; JWM NR SC, League testimony 


 HB 3103A – work session was 3/31. Moved to JWM, Overweight Timber Harvest , League Testimony , new adopted -5 amendment . 
 
 
 Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Update By Claudia Keith HB 215 1: Testimony ; appears dead 
 
 
 HB 2152 : Testimony ; work session held 4/8 , passed, moved to Joint Ways and Means (JWM) -2 amendments , Staff Measure Summar y (SMS). $1M+ fiscal 
 
 
 HB 2949 : T estimony ; work session held 4/8 , passed to JWM w -5 amendment new SMS. Fiscal is not available, will be completed if the bill gets a hearing in JWM NR SC. 
 
 
 HB 3450 A Testimony , work session held, 4/8 passed adopted amendment -1 . fisca l >1M$. referred to JWM 4/11 
 
 
 See CEI Hub Seismic Risk Analysis (The study, Impacts of Fuel Releases from the CEI Hub, is intended to characterize and quantify the anticipated damages from the CEI Hub in the event of the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) Earthquake.) See Climate Emergency April 28: CEI emergency management package update. The Bigger Picture: ASCE's ( American Society of Civil Engineers , founded in 1852), Oregon received a C- grade Infrastructure Report Card . Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment At this point in the session, it is doubtful SJR 28 has enough support to move out of Sen Rules. SJR 28 proposed -1 amendment , Environmental Rights Constitutional amendment (ERA) S enate Joint Resolution - with referral to the 2026 ballot, public hearing was 3/26 . The League provided support with comments testimony . The bill is in Senate Rules , so the Legislative first chamber deadlines are not applicable. A Work Session is not yet scheduled. The -1 a mendment is a partial rewrite and may address the League’s concerns. Oregon Treasury: Oregon Divest/ Environmental, Social, and Governance Updates By Claudia Keith HB 2081A Directs the Oregon Investment Council and the State Treasurer to take certain actions to manage the risks of climate change to the Public Employees Retirement Fund. Passed House along party lines. WS Senate Finance & Rev is 5/28. At the request of: (no sponsor: at the request of House Interim Committee on Revenue for Representative Nancy Nathanson) 
 HB 2200 -1 , work session was 4/8, bill was requested by previous Treasury Sec Tobias and supported by Treasurer Steiner, related to ESG investing , identified as the compromise bill. League chose not to comment, could move to the floor, no JWM required. (still in H EMGGV, still awaiting transfer to desk) 
 
 
 Resources: Divest Oregon The Pause Act would enact a 5-year moratorium on new Public Employees Retirement Fund (PER investments in new private fossil fuel funds. March 2025 Fund Performance - Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund and graphics Published by Divest Oregon: Executive Summary and Praise for Report (see SB 681) Addressing the Risk of Climate Change: A Comparison of US Pension Funds' Net Zero Plans – Jan 2025 Oregon Public Financing / BANK HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing / public bank Task Force, Work Session 3/6/2025 passed to Joint Ways and Means (JWM), fiscal: $1.3M , League Testimony , Rep Gamba, Senator, Golden, Frederick, Rep Andersen, Evans .

 
 Historically, since 2009 Public banking policy topic has been included in many Leg sessions, (go here and then use Control F to search for ‘bank’. ) 22 bills mentioning Public and Bank have died in committee over the past 16 years. Other Climate Bills HB 3963 posted to OLIS 4/15, Rep Gomberg, House Rules. PH was 5/19. WS 5/29. Extends the deadline from Sept 1, 2025, to Jan 1, 2027, for the DLCD to draft and submit a report to the Legislative Assembly on the department's activities to develop an Offshore Wind Roadmap and its assessment of enforceable state policies related to offshore wind energy development off the Oregon coast. HB 2566 A : Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects , Work Session was 3/20, moved to JWM, Rep Gamba was the only nay. At the request of Governor Tina Kotek (H CEE), DOE presentation 


 HB 3365 A: climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, 4/21 moved to Sen Ed, PH 5/7, WS was 5/21 passed, awaiting transfer. League Testimony , NO Fiscal noted , Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald 


 SB 688 A: -5 , Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, PH 3/12,& 3/19, work session was 3/24, updated $ 974K fiscal , moved to JWM , League testimony , Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham SB 827A : Solar and Storage Rebate , SEE Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, Senate voted 21-7, moves to House 3/4 , House passed, 5/20. HB 3546A , -3 the POWER Act , in Sen E&E , PH 4/30, 5/5, P WS was 5/14, moved with due pass. 2nd reading , 5/22 carried over. The bill requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create a new rate class for the largest energy users in the state. (data centers and other high-volume users). These regulations would only apply to customers in the for-profit utility's service areas of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. NO Fiscal, on its way to the floor. The League has approved being listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . 

 HB 3189 in JWM . Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV , Citizens Utility Board CUB presentation here . 
 
 
 SB 1143A : -3 , moved to JWM, with bipartisan vote, PH was 3/19, Work session was 4/7 SEE, PUC established a pilot program that allows each natural gas Co to develop a utility-scale thermal energy network (TEN) pilot project to provide heating and cooling services to customers. Senator Lieber, Sollman, Representative Levy B, Senator Smith DB, Representative Andersen, Marsh. Example: Introduction to the MIT Thermal Energy Networks (MITTEN) Plan for Rapid and Cost-Effective Campus Decarbonization. 
 
 
 HB 3609 work session 4/8, moved to JWM. The measure requires electric companies to develop and file with the Oregon Public Utility Commission a distributed power plant program for the procurement of grid services from customers of the electric company who enroll in the program. H CEE, PH 3/11 


 HB 3653 in Sen E&E, PH 4/28, WS was 5/5, 6-0 vote. House vote was 51 - 9. Senate 5/15 vote passed, waiting for Gov signature. Allows authorized state agencies to enter into energy performance contracts without requiring a competitive procurement if the authorized state agency follows rules that the Attorney General adopts, negotiates a performance guarantee, and enters into the contract with a qualified energy service company that the ODOE prequalifies and approves. 
 
 

 Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Here is one example of how to track ODEQ Climate Protection Program cases. Basically, there are a number of active federal lawsuits , Climate Litigation May 15 Updates Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 85 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon. There are no recent press releases or media from Our Children’s Trust. Highlights of House and Senate Policy Committee and Chamber Votes On 5/19, Senate E&E canceled its meeting 5/19 at which a Possible Work Session on HB 3336 (requiring electric utility plans for cost-effective use of Grid Enhancing Technologies or GETs) had been scheduled. The PWS is rescheduled for Wed., 5/21. The -4 amendment up for consideration essentially replaces the base bill passed by the House in April. The most significant change seems to be a new section outlining the authority and conditions for a local government to rule on an application for an upgrade to a transmission line within the existing utility ROW that entails only the deployment, construction or installation of GETs, and does not expand the footprint of any part of the transmission lines "if sited within an area designated for a statewide land use planning goal related to natural resources, scenic and historic areas and open spaces or the Willamette River Greenway." A decision on such an application would not be a land use decision, as defined in ORS 197.015; could not be subject to a public hearing; and could not be appealed except by writ of review under ORS 34.010-34.100. On 5/20, The House CEE committee voted 9-1 (Osborne) to move an amended version of SB 726 A to the House floor with a do pass recommendation. The Senate engrossed version would direct the EQC to adopt rules requiring the use of advanced methane detection technology for surface emissions monitoring at municipal solid waste landfills, beginning 1/1/2027. The -A7 amendment, adopted with no discussion, would limit the bill's application to a landfill located in Benton County (e.g., Coffin Butte). The two Reps. Levy voted "courtesy yes" and said they will oppose the bill on the House floor. Per the fiscal note, the advanced technology specified in the bill would cost local governments about $5,000 per monitoring event, or $20,000 annually per landfill. "Counties report that there are five publicly owned landfills in Lane, Lake, Klamath, Crook, and Marion counties that are currently in DEQ’s highest tier of monitoring and would be subject to the expanded methane monitoring requirements. However, there are numerous publicly owned or municipal solid waste landfills across Oregon, and...those subject to the new standards may incur additional costs if required to conduct follow-up monitoring within 10 days of detecting an exceedance." Chair Lively carried over the Work Session on SB 685 A to Thurs., 5/22. The bill would require a natural gas utility to notify all customers and the PUC if the utility plans to increase the amount of hydrogen blended with natural gas. On 5/21, The Sen EE committee voted 4-1 (Robinson) to move its amended version of HB 3336 to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. This is a Bill of Support on the OCN/OLCV Hot List. The base bill passed by the House in April would declare state policy that investor-owned utilities must: a. Meet the required clean energy targets in ORS 469A.410; b. Develop sufficient resources to meet load growth; c. Create efficiencies and resilience in the transmission system; and d. Maintain energy affordability. Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) would have to file strategic plans with the PUC to use cost-effective grid enhancing technologies (GETs, defined in the bill) as part of their mandated Clean Energy Plans and Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs), and to update those plans every two years. An IOU would have to carry out its first filed strategic plan by 2030. As explained by Rep. Gamba, the -4 amendment adopted by the committee serves as a "carrot" for IOUs to carry out the mandate of the base bill, and resolves some issues that had caused "heartburn" for local governments and consumer-owned utilities. It would add reducing wildfire risks as a major focus of transmission policy; clarify that nothing in the bill applies to COUs; and add a new section outlining the authority and conditions for a local government to decide on an application for an upgrade to a transmission line within an existing utility ROW that entails only the deployment, construction or installation of GETs. Rather than updating the strategic plan for GETs every two years, the IOU would update it concurrently with the development of, or update to, each IRP. The IOU’s first filed strategic plan would have to identify both short-term actions that could "reasonably be carried out" by 1/1 2030, and “longer-term” actions. Discussion was limited to Sen. Robinson's comment that he supported deployment of GETs but couldn't vote for any bill that promoted the clean energy targets. On 5/22, By a 6-4 vote (including two "courtesy" aye votes), the H CEE moved SB 685 A to the House floor with a do pass recommendation. This is a Bill of Support on the OCN/OLCV Hot List. It would require a natural gas utility to notify all customers and the PUC if the utility plans to increase the amount of hydrogen that it blends with natural gas and the ratio of the volume of hydrogen to the volume of natural gas will, for the first time, be greater than 2.5%. A utility that has a hydrogen blending program would have to maintain information on its website about the program and how customers could communicate with the utility about the program. Reps. Owens and B. Levy asserted that the bill gives the PUC too much additional authority over gas utilities, and that the real purpose is not about hydrogen notification but about beating up on natural gas. The original bill would have prohibited a utility from developing or carrying out a project involving the production or use of hydrogen without first obtaining PUC approval. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Climate Emergency ? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The short legislative session begins in January of 2026. Many State Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of climate or natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, or Claudia Keith Climate Emergency at peggylynchor@gmail.com Or climatepolicy@lwvor.org . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report section

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/12 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Air Quality Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Dept. of State Lands (DSL) Drinking Water Advisory Board Elliott State Research Forest Forestry Land Use and Housing Reduce/Recycle Water Wildfire Volunteers Needed By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team Air Quality The Dept. of Environmental Quality presented information on the status of our Title V air quality program fees after the significant increase adopted in 2023. Budgets/Revenue By Peggy Lynch The budget bills for the session have been filed. SB 5701 is the omnibus budget bill for 2024. It is currently populated with the items approved during the November and January Legislative Days. We know there are state agency adjustments that have been requested, as well as monies to be saved in case of emergencies (such as our summer wildfire season) and changing needs under the Oregon Health Authority and Dept. of Human Services before the 2025 session. Also added to this bill at the end of session will be this session’s revenue requests and adjustments. Look for bills sent to Ways and Means to be considered in the Ways and Means Subcommittees ONLY when they have been approved by the Ways and Means Co-Chairs and Senate and House Leadership. Many bills sent to Ways and Means will still be there at the end of session. HB 5201 and HB 5202 are the bonding bills. They had a public hearing on Feb. 16 in Ways and Means Capital Construction where a multitude of requests were shared in 2-minute testimonies. Like the budget bill, these bills will reflect changes and possible additions to the 2025 approved bonds. Bonding capacity remains the same: $65.8 million in remaining general obligation bond capacity and 27.4 million in remaining lottery bond capacity for the 2023-25 biennium. SB 5702 will be populated with new or increased fees adopted by state agencies since the 2025 session. HB 5203 and HB 5204 were also filed. One will be the “program change bill” to address miscellaneous changes to agency programs. The other is held in case it is needed. It may be used for containing revenue requests due to Measure 110 changes. The Joint Committee on Ways and Means met on Feb. 16th when they approved a list of grant requests and accepted an even longer list of reports. If the grants are awarded, they will need to be approved by the legislature in order to be spent. The reports are used to help the legislature follow up on bills passed and/or agencies funded in past sessions. For budget wonks, the Oregon Legislative Fiscal Office has published its 2023-25 Legislatively Adopted Budget Detailed Analysis , which provides 632 pages of agency program descriptions; analysis of revenue sources and relationships; discussions of budget environment; and review of budget decisions made by the Legislative Assembly for the 2023-25 biennium. This document will be updated after the 2024 session. The agency budget process for 2025-27 is beginning. Look for presentations to agency Boards and Commissions soon. Quarterly revenue forecasts will be provided on May 29 and August 28. Then the November 20 th forecast will be the basis of the Governor’s Recommended Budget to be presented on December 1 st . Personal income taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker?” calculator available on Revenue Online . To use the calculator, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2022 and 2023. Taxpayers may also hand-calculate the amount of their credit by multiplying their 2022 tax liability before any credits—line 22 on the 2022 Form OR-40—by 44.28 percent. January 29th was the first date to file 2023 tax returns. 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 In a surprise announcement as covered by the Oregonian , the federal government finalized two offshore wind energy areas that will allow leases to be sold off the coast of Coos Bay and Brookings. The League provided comments on HB 4080-1 that would both address union labor IF offshore wind projects happen on our South Coast and create a robust public engagement process before any projects are approved. HB 4080 A was moved to Ways and Means on Feb. 14 th . Important to the League will be financing the public engagement by the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development’s Coastal Program as required by the bill. The League signed on to a letter in support of HB 4132 , Marine Reserves. The bill is in Ways and Means. Currently, there is a fiscal request of just under $900 million for this biennium. Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch The League participated in an annual rules advisory committee meeting to consider increasing water quality program fees by 3%. The recommendation will be considered by the Environmental Quality Commission later this year. Among the items discussed were the efficiency of the agency’s permitting and the number of certified staff needed throughout Oregon to ensure the drinking water and wastewater permit requirements are met for the public health of all Oregonians. Dept. of State Lands (DSL) By Peggy Lynch The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is working with DSL to identify In Lieu lands (part of the 1,400 acres of lands owed the State of Oregon on statehood that have not yet been allotted to Oregon). Click here to view the BLM Proposed Classification Decision and a public notice that two forestland properties in Linn County that have been identified to meet the criteria for some of those In Lieu lands. Learn more and provide public comment through April 9, 2024. Drinking Water Advisory Committee By Sandra Bishop The Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) meeting was postponed to February 20 th . Agenda . Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch The State Land Board received a report (See information starting on page 133) on the plans for the ESRF under Dept. of State Lands (DSL) management. The Land Board approved the plan. The Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources will receive a request on Feb. 19 th from DSL asking that the $4.1 million that had been set aside for the former proposed separate ESRF state agency to instead be added to the DSL budget as the managers of the ESRF. Also at the Ways and Means meeting, Oregon State University will provide context and concerns regarding their future role in the ESRF. In the meantime, work is continuing on the eventual adoption of a Habitat Conservation Plan and a Forest Management Plan for the forest. Visit DSL's Elliott webpage to learn more . A recommendation with structural governance may be before the State Land Board on April 9. If approved, look for appointments to the new ESRF Board at their June 11 tth meeting. Forestry (ODF) The Oregon Dept. of Forestry is holding community conversations in February as they do strategic planning. The public is encouraged to participate. On Feb. 23 rd the Board of Forestry will have a special meeting on Post-Disturbance Harvest Rulemaking. Agenda . There are several bills this session around funding wildfire. For information on the various bills, see the Wildfire section of this report below. Land Use & Housing By Peggy Lynch A -9 amendment was adopted into the Governor’s land use/housing bill, SB 1537 , and sent to Ways and Means. One major element of contention was that urban growth boundaries could be expanded without using the current process. The acreage in the amendment reduced that expansion acreage by one-third. Much of the money in the original bill was removed as was the climate/housing electrification section. However, SB 1530 A also passed out of committee and included some of the money that had been included in SB 1537. A news release by the Senate President explains the elements of both bills. As part of the effort to provide infrastructure so housing can actually be built, the League supported HB 4134 A that includes a list of infrastructure projects in small towns around Oregon to be funded with a promise of new housing, especially for middle income Oregonians. Additionally, HB 4128 A was amended and also moved to Ways and Means. The League is concerned that HB 4128A lists monetary grant awards to certain cities for water infrastructure without clarity on what projects will be funded. We look forward to the Ways and Means recommendations on spending for specific infrastructure projects that can help housing development, especially affordable housing development. The Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee is recruiting for a new member from Oregon’s Third Congressional District. Applications are due by March 18, 9 a.m. Follow the work of the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Rulemaking Committee on the department’s Housing Rulemaking webpage . And watch their meetings on the department’s YouTube channel. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Reduce/Recycle By Camille Freitag The League weighed in again this year on a Right to Repair bill, SB 1596 . We also joined others in support of the bill. The bill was amended and will be on the Senate Chamber floor on Feb. 19 th . Water By Peggy Lynch The amended HB 4128 sent to Ways and Means includes an allocation of $3 million to be added to the Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund . The League was engaged in helping create this fund in 2021. The Dept. of Environmental Quality updated the legislature on their Water Data Portal Project. The League is supportive of this project that will create a database of water and infrastructure from nine of our state water agencies. We hope Leaguers will engage with the Oregon Water Resources Dept. as they consider changes to Oregon’s groundwater rules. This slide deck was presented at their last rules advisory committee meeting. A written public comment period will open March 1 st through June 1 st . Regional meetings will be held April 4 th in Bend, April 18 in La Grande, May 16 in Central Point and May 21 st in Salem, with the Salem meeting being available virtually as well as in person. The Department of State Lands is creating a new statewide program, Abandoned and Derelict Vessels (ADV), to address hazardous vessels across Oregon. They want your feedback on the proposed program framework. Share your input by Friday, March 8th! See the proposed framework for the ADV program here (PDF) . The League has supported the creation of this program and the funding needed to remove these hazardous vessels from Oregon’s waterways. OWRD anticipates releasing a draft of the updated Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) for public review and comment in March. An updated draft should be available for a second public comment opportunity in May. The Oregon Water Resources Commission will hear public testimony and consider adoption of the 2024 IWRS at their September meeting. For more information about this process, please visit the IWRS page on their website. The League hopes members will engage since we were actively engaged in the original legislation and in the first two IWRS documents. As a result of that work, our state water agencies have been funded to a greater degree than ever before. 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. League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Governor Kotek has signed drought declarations under ORS 536 for the counties of Crook, Jefferson, Grant, Deschutes, Wasco, Harney, Sherman, Lake, Jackson, Gilliam, Douglas, Lincoln and Morrow counties. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers The League continues to monitor several wildfire funding bills this session. A work session was held on February 13 by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire to discuss Senator Golden’s bill, SB 1511 . This bill focuses on grant funding for community resilience programs, and standardizing homeowner risk mitigation measures as part of an exploration into potentially reducing insurance rates. The League testified in support of the bill. It passed the committee unanimously with a do-pass recommendation and was referred to Ways and Means because of the $5 million General Fund request. Shortly thereafter, the House Committee on Revenue held a Public Hearing on HB 4133 , Senator Steiner and Representative Marsh’s wildfire funding bill, which proposes changes in the harvest tax and forest protection districts, and creates a Large Wildfire fund in the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). Another of the bill’s sponsors, Senator Lynn Findley, spoke first about the difficulties of rangeland landowners being able to afford the current rates for protection. He proposed that they need a long-term solution to the funding model, not a “one-time band-aid”. Senator Steiner walked the committee through the details of how the bill evolved and why, and how what they were presenting would be contained in a forthcoming amendment (which was still not available at the time of this report). She also emphasized that she saw this as the beginning of a process and that the work would continue after the session. Doug Grafe, the Governor’s Wildfire Director, followed and provided general information on the wildfire crisis and the differences between the current funding structure and the proposed structure. The Committee Chair, Representative Nathanson, asked about whether a long-term solution is needed, and Senator Steiner said there would be further discussions after session addressing both, rates and policy. This was followed by public testimony, most of which was neutral. The hearing was continued to February 14, at which time Senator Golden testified. One of his points was that if any bill ends up reducing the share of the burden the timber industry pays towards addressing wildfire, the conversation with voters about a new property tax will be more difficult. To continue with a busy February 13, Representative Evans spoke before the House Committee on Rules at a Public Hearing on his wildfire funding bills, HJR 201 and HB 4075 . The end result of these bills would be the establishment of a public safety funding authority to help fund wildfire and other public safety issues by imposing up to $.25/1,000 of property tax. Requiring a Constitutional amendment, this would have to be approved by the voters. Chief Ruiz-Temple of the Department of the State Fire Marshal, and Mike Shaw, of ODF, both testified on the bill, taking neutral positions but emphasizing the need for a funding solution. Other testimony included opposition from the League of Oregon Cities and the Association of Oregon Counties. A work session scheduled for February 14, for Representative Marsh’s bill on prescribed fire liability and home hardening, HB 4016-1 , before the House Committee on Climate, Energy and the Environment, was moved to February 19. Finally, Senator Golden’s wildfire funding bill, SB 1593 , has an amendment to fund a STUDY on his proposed imposition of a timber severance tax, as opposed to the actual imposition of said tax. There will be a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue on February 20. The League will provide testimony in support of the study of changing to a severance tax to provide more money to both the state and to the counties where timber is harvested. The League is so concerned with wildfire funding needs that we signed on to a budget request for additional monies to the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Dept. of Forestry to address Community Wildfire Protection and Landscape Resiliency. 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.

10 Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 1/30 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Natural and Working Lands Action Alert Climate Emergency Priorities Other Climate Emergency Bills Clean Energy Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Climate-Related Lawsuits State, Regional, National, and Global CE News Local League Climate Updates Volunteers Needed Natural and Working Lands ACTION ALERT SB 530 is expected to have a first hearing week, Feb 6 in Senate Natural Resources. Senator Dembrow, Representative Marsh, Senator Golden and Representative Neron are chief sponsors. The bill is based on the Global Warming Commission’s 2021 Climate Change and Carbon Proposal and last year’s SB 1534A which the League also supported. Climate Emergency Priorities The League has identified six priority CE policy and budget topics. Find in previous LR reports additional background on each priority. Following are updates on those topics: 1. Natural and Working Lands : Establishes Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Fund, carbon sequestration opportunities…: Natural Climate Solutions SB530 . The legislation includes activity-based metrics and community impact metrics for net carbon sequestration and storage in natural and working lands and establishes carbon sequestration and storage goals. The bill authorizes natural resource agencies to provide support to forest landowners, ranchers and farmers for voluntary techniques that not only increase carbon uptake and storage but provide secondary benefits of reduced water needs, increased output and overall improved water quality and quantity . It is designed to help leverage federal funding and private investments in natural climate solutions on natural and working lands. Assigned to: Senate Natural Resources, find Committee Bills HERE . The League continues to be an active NWL coalition partner. 2. Resilient Buildings (RB) : Refer to the Legislative Joint Task Force on Resilient Efficient Buildings Dec 13 Report . It’s likely the bill(s) will be posted to OLIS in late Feb. by Senator Lieber and Rep Marsh. The League is an active RB coalition partner. On Jan 27, over 75 folks joined an RB kickoff meeting. The BR campaign guiding principals were shared. In the news: ‘Oregon lawmakers draft bills for more energy-efficient buildings ‘| kgw.com 3. Environmental Justice (EJ): 2023 Leg bills are posted which address (support or oppose) new or on-going EJ topics. Find DEQ EJ work : Performance Partnership Agreement : Oregon Department of Environmental Qualityand U.S. EPA Region 10 Performance Partnership Agreement . In the news: ‘Farmworker advocate legislative priorities include language access’ | Statesman Journal. The League is following this topic and likely will support. 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 , will change "Oregon Global Warming Commission" to "Oregon Climate Action Commission." and modify membership and duties of commission and state greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets/goals. Find more about this Bill in Clean Energy LR below. 5. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/ reductions and new clean renewable energy (DOE), OHA public health, and DOT Dept of Transportation policy and funding bills. 6. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget * was published Jan 31. Kotek’s budget priorities are HERE . One of the main funding problems concerns how the favorable ending current period balance, estimated to be >$765M, can be used. It will take a 3/5 vote to pass this proposed change. ‘Kotek proposes spending $765M from reserves on homeless , other crises’| statesman journal. It’s unclear at this point if the estimated > $80M in CE related state agency POPs and new Legislative funding. (* budget items will come from over 22 state agencies including 14 NR agencies, OHA, DAS, ODOT, ODOE, etc.) is reflected in Governor Kotek’s new 1/31 Budget. More specifics next week. It is expected some portion of the agency funding requests are related to addressing multiple federal grant opportunities . (see Congressional major new funding since 2020: IIJA, IRA, Chips and what’s left in the ARPA and Dec 2022 Omnibus compromise) Other CE Bills By Claudia Keith The League may support or just follow these bills. (This is a preliminary list; a number of bills are not yet posted to OLIS.) Natural Working Lands: See Rep Pham’s urban forestry bill, HB 3016 , Rep Holvey’s severance tax bill, HB 3025 to replace the harvest tax, and ODF’s Regular Harvest tax bill, HB 2087 . SB 88 climate smart Ag increases net carbon sequestration and storage in natural and working lands. Requested: Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire Recovery. See Keep Oregon Cool, Natural Working Lands. Fossil Fuel (FF) Divestment : HB 2601 Oregon FF Divestment … Requires State Treasurer to address the urgency and risk associated with Fossil Fuel energy investments. Chief Sponsors: Rep Pham K, Senator Golden, Rep Gamba. Green Infrastructure: HB 3016 community green infrastructure, Rep Pham K, Senator Dembrow, Rep Gamba. Public & Green Banking: SB501 Bank of the state of Oregon Sen Golden. HB2763 Create a State public bank Task Force, Rep Gamba, Sen Golden, Rep Walters. Interstate 5 Bridge Legislation: Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBRP) factsheet ODOT and WDOT . 12 Things the Oregon Legislature Should Know About IBRP - Just Crossing Alliance. It is likely policy and or just funding bills will be heard and likely moved by this IBRP Legislative Joint Committee . The goal: ‘Replacing the aging Interstate Bridge with a modern, earthquake resilient, multimodal structure is a high priority for Oregon and Washington…. ‘ Clean Energy By Kathy Moyd Activity Last Week and Next Week LWVOR did not provide testimony for any Clean Energy bills last week. HB 2816 High Energy User Facilities Requires person who owns, operates or controls high energy use facility to ensure that greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity used by high energy use facility are reduced to 60% below baseline emissions levels by 2027, 80% below baseline emissions levels by 2030, 90% below baseline emissions levels by 2035 and 100% below baseline emissions levels by 2040. Imposes civil penalty of $12,000 per megawatt-hour in violation for each day of violation. Excludes property that is or is part of high energy use facility from enterprise zone tax benefits unless amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity that high energy use facility uses complies with amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity permitted for high energy use facilities. LWVOR was in the process of writing testimony for the public hearing scheduled for February 1 but received notice that the bill had been removed from the schedule. We had a lot of concerns with the bill, so will wait to see if an amendment is submitted. No Clean Energy bills are currently scheduled for public hearings next week, may be later. Previously listed Priority Bills, Committee Bills, and Other Bills with no action last week or expected next week were described in the Legislative Report Week of 1-23. Additional Bills Being Followed By Kathy Moyd Priority HB 2713 Local Regulation of Fossil Fuels Provides that Legislative Assembly finds and declares that home rule cities and counties have constitutional authority to prohibit or limit use of fossil fuels in new buildings or installation of fossil fuel infrastructure. Permits cities and counties, whether home rule or not, to prohibit or limit use of fossil fuels in new buildings or installation of fossil fuel infrastructure. Declares emergency, effective on passage. Other Bills We are considering supporting these bills and expect public hearings in the near future. HB 2571 Rebates for Electric Bikes Establish program for providing rebates to qualifying individuals who purchase electric assisted bicycles or cargo electric bicycles and qualifying equipment. Appropriation of $5,000,000. HB 2718 Hydrogen-fueled Generators (Bipartisan sponsors) Program to provide grants to fund replacement of generators that use diesel or fossil fuels with renewable hydrogen-fueled generators. Appropriation of $5,000,000. HB 3016 Community Green Infrastructure Grant Program Establishes Community Green Infrastructure Grant Program and Fund. Directs State Forestry Department to acquire and maintain urban tree canopy assessment tool. Directs department to develop emerald ash borer assistance program. HB 3020 Commercial Community Solar Projects (Bipartisan support) Extends property tax exemption to commercial community solar projects first granted exemption for property tax year beginning on or after July 1, 2023. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The next Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast is scheduled for Feb 22. It is unclear how the very volatile security market, banking issues / risk will develop. The last State of Oregon quarterly forecast assumed a likely mild recession in 2023. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has never conformed to what is now recommended in the SEC Climate Risk disclosure rule. SEC Plans to Finalize See supportive LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury / Treasurer Tobias will assist with addressing the $20B Federal IRA funds which are contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank. ‘'Green Banks,' Poised for Billions in Climate Funds , Draw States' Attention | The Pew Charitable Trusts. Additionally, the SEC new Climate risk guidelines will affect investing and reporting decisions. The SEC reveals 2023 priorities in new agenda | Reuters. ‘Upcoming SEC climate disclosure rules bring urgency to ESG data strategy planning’, | Reuters. It's concerning to the League how these major issues will affect Oregon’s economy. Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… By Claudia Keith Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are a number of active state and federal lawsuits , (Feb 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. A national perspective: ‘These four states are winning on climate . And they're not all the ones you'd expect’ |EDF. Our Children’s Trust: First hearing held in youth lawsuit against DOT over transportation pollution | News, Sports, Jobs - Maui News State, Regional, National, and Global CE News By Claudia Keith Affordable, reliable and sustainable: Report compares utility performanc e – Oregon Capital Chronicle. (Oregon ranked in the top 10 on affordability, environmental friendliness, and performance). Oregon politician calls for increased oversight of NW Natural | kgw.com . Oregon pins hopes on mass timber to boost housing , jobs – OPB. OSU wave power testing facility overcomes many “firsts ”. | KLCC. Native seeds, crucial to deal with climate change , are in short supply : NPR. New Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s first budget plan calls for big spending on housing , education and behavioral health – OPB The SEC reveals 2023 priorities in new agenda | Reuters. Congress' 'biggest fight' over climate ? It's the farm bill. - E&E News. The Most Famous Climate Goal Is Woefully Misunderstood - The Atlantic. With carbon capture on an industrial scale , Norway plans for a greener future - Microsoft News Centre Europe. Yes, we have enough materials to power the world with renewable energy | MIT Technology Review. Is climate change to blame for the extreme cold ? Researchers say there could be a connection. - The Boston Globe Local League Climate Updates By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy areas: Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA ODOT Transportation & DLCD/LCD Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities Efficient Resilient Buildings Public Health Climate Adaptation Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment Climate and Environmental Justice. We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: The 2023 legislative session began Jan 17. If any area of Climate Emergency interests you, please contact Claudia Keith , CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

/ Join / Donating to LWVOR / Donating to LWVOR Your contributions to the League of Women Voters of Oregon, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. There are multiple ways you can donate to LWVOR: Donate via our secure online form . Set up a monthly checking account deduction. If you name LWVOR as a beneficiary of your IRA or 401(k), your distribution will not be taxed. Beneficiary forms are available from your account administrator. Leaving a bequest to the LWVOR in your Will or Trust may lower estate taxes, although we recommend consulting with an estate planning professional. Notifying the League of your plans will ensure that we follow through with your wishes. Designate a percentage of your life insurance policy to benefit the LWVOR. Donating stocks, bonds, or mutual funds to the LWVOR is tax deductible and may reduce your capital gains taxes. Giving our League an endowment is pivotal to the continuance of LWVOR’s 100+ years of influence on voting rights and voter education in Oregon. Your generous gifts can create a perpetual revenue stream for the League. Investing $25 can give the League $1 annually, based on 4% expected market gains. The Oregon Community Foundation manages close to 450 endowments for the benefit of communities throughout Oregon and is now celebrating its 50th year.

Join the LWVOR Youth Council to advocate for issues you care about! Register voters, work in the legislature, learn how nonprofit organizations operate and more! Support Youth Council Show Your League Pride! Show your support for the LWVOR Youth Council by making a donation today. For each donation of $20 or more you will receive an exclusive League Pride button! Your contribution empowers our young leaders by helping to send at least two Youth Council members to LWVUS Convention 2026. Donate Now! Here's How It Works Make a donation with our secure online form in the amount of $20 or more. Funds go directly toward our goal of raising $5,000 to send at least two Youth Council members to LWVUS Convention 2026. Receive one League Pride button for each $20 donation. Please note the number of League items you request in the donation order form. They will either be dropped off by a League volunteer in the Portland metro area or mailed first class postage to your address in the United States within three business days. Proudly wear your new League Pride button knowing you're directly supporting Oregon's young leaders! Donate Now! Youth Council In Action Youth Council leaders attend the 2024 LWVUS Council in D.C. Former Youth Council leader Sarah Napier speaks on the LWVUS Council floor. Youth Council hosted a successful Youth Voter Summit in 2023. Ready to Support Our Next Generation of League Leaders? Donate at the link below to help us send two Youth Council members to LWVUS Convention 2026. Donate Now!

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 2/26 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency - Mitigation and Adaptation Other Climate Emergency Bills Natural Climate Solutions House and Senate Climate Notes Climate Emergency News Climate Litigation and Congressional Climate Resolution Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator, and Team Climate Emergency - Mitigation and Adaptation The League continues to be disappointed that there is no commitment by Legislature leadership to update greenhouse gas emission targets or fund a coordinated /cohesive / accountable effort for climate action across all state-funded entities. This irresponsible politically-driven situation may change next session. See OPB: DEAD : Stronger greenhouse gas reduction goals Budget end of session Omnibus Bill -The following funding is currently being considered by the JWM: Residential heat pumps, EV Rebates, residential a/c and air quality, community sheltering during extreme heat and or smoke events and Environmental Justice-related Worker Relief funding Programs, now all totaling under $30M. There is currently $15M in SB1530 for Healthy Homes. (Funding for Environmental Justice refers to Oregon Worker Relief Funding $9M, related to lost wages when there are extensive heat and or air quality/smoke issues for agriculture outdoor workers.) See also the Natural Resources and Social Policy sections in this Legislative Report. Other Climate Emergency Bills Off-Shore Wind: HB 4080 , League Testimony, See discussion in NR Leg Report. Clean Tech Leadership Bill HB 4112 Referred to J W&Ms. League Testimony . Funding is $20M. Likely will die in JWM. Right to Repair: SB 1596 See discussion in NR Leg Report, League Testimony . House vote Mar 4. HB 4155 Infrastructure funding study - Rep Gamba and Sen Golden – in J W&Ms. Fiscal $250K. League Testimony is being considered. HB 4083 Coal Act: Requires Oregon Investment Council and Treasury to divest from Thermal Coal investments. In Senate vote on 3/4, League Testimony . HB 4102 Funding mechanism for Natural and Working Lands Fund (carbon sequestration). Almost unanimous Affirmative House vote, Sen vote Mar 4, No Fiscal. Natural Climate Solutions At the request of the Oregon Climate Action Committee , OCAC (formerly the Global Warming commission), SB1525 House vote 3/4. This bill supports Oregon’s transition to clean energy. However, several of the dates in the 2023 legislations could not be met due to delayed funding and grant issues. The $10 million fund to carry out work promoting carbon sequestration on Oregon’s natural and working lands (OWEB, ODA, ODFW, ODF) needed to be moved out by a year. The OCAC overseeing implementation of the Natural and Working Lands bill felt more time was needed to complete three studies on Carbon Sequestration and Storage Inventory, Natural Climate Solutions Workforce, and its Carbon Sequestration Goal. House and Senate Climate Notes By Claudia Keith The HCEE committee held public hearings on the following two bills. Work sessions were held for both bills on Wednesday 2/26. SB 1525 A : This package of statutory fixes passed 28-2 on the Senate floor. (1) Aligns the deadline for ODOE's mandated Energy Security Plan (SB 1567, 2022) with the federal deadline of 9/30 (federal funding = about $1 million). (2) Extends deadline for ODOE/OCAC N&WL carbon sequestration and storage inventory update (HB 3409, 2023) by one year. (3) Allows partner organizations of Community Renewable Energy Grant program applicants to incur expenses of funded projects (e.g., solar). (4) Transfers unspent funds from the Heat Pump Deployment Fund to the Residential Heat Pump Fund to allow funding to flow to tribes that currently lack a regional administrator. SB 1581 A : This bill would require PGE and Pacific Power to report to the Legislature by January 15 each year to inform lawmakers about any plans or preparations the utilities have made toward participating in a regional energy market. Not opposed by the utilities. The SEE committee voted along party lines to move these bills to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation. HB 4083-1 : The bill directs the Oregon Investment Council and the State Treasurer to try to eliminate certain investments in thermal coal companies. Sen. Hayden interrogated LC staff about separation of powers and whether the bill might apply to "downstream" business of coal companies. LC staff noted the bill defines "thermal coal company" in terms of production and reserves. Sen. Findley said the treasurer's duty is to earn the maximum return on investments and "If he's investing in something that people don't like, then don't reelect him." Sen. Golden said he had hoped the bill would say "Henceforth we won't buy any more coal investments," but called this a step in the right direction. Rep. Pham's -1 amendment changes the bill’s definition of “clean energy” to match that of “non emitting electricity” in ORS 469A.400: “electricity, including hydroelectricity, that is generated and may be stored in a manner that does not emit greenhouse gas into the atmosphere.” The introduced bill defined it as “energy produced through methods that do not release greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants in any stage of acquisition, production, transportation, storage or use.” She called this a conforming amendment, though GOP members had questioned the definition. The committee adopted the amendment unanimously. HB 4015 : GOP members opposed the bill on the grounds that it would remove local control over energy facility siting by allowing a battery energy storage system (BESS) developer to preempt the county in routing the siting decision to EFSC. Hayden’s -1 amendment was intended to remove the developer's ability to do so. Renewable NW and Hecate Energy, a BESS developer, opposed the amendment citing potential delays at the county level, saying the public would have no less opportunity to weigh in via EFSC hearings. This comment was challenged. Concern was also expressed about amendments which come up at the last minute in bills that have been discussed and vetted for months. The committee rejected the amendment 3-2, then voted 3-2 to move the bill to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation. Findley served notice with a minority report. DEQ CPP: Climate Protection Plan Update: LWVOR signed onto a letter with 41 other organizations asking the Department of Environmental Quality to consider some guiding principles as the State moves forward with a process to reinstate the Climate Protection Program, LWVUS Climate Updates Submitted Comments on First Phase of Environmental Justice Scorecard Jan 19 2024, “ The League submitted comments to the Council on Environmental Quality in response to its request for information on Phase One of the Environmental Justice Scorecard, an executive order-directed assessment of what the federal government is doing to advance environmental justice. The League advised on ways to improve the scorecard's assessments and accessibility to facilitate the public's ability to monitor federal progress and hold the government accountable on advancing environmental justice for all”. Climate Emergency News Trump wants to unravel Biden’s landmark climate law. Here is what’s most at risk. | MIT Technology Review, Biden Races to Lock in Energy, Climate Rules as Danger Zone Looms – Bloomberg, The environmental cost of AI | Financial Times, Artificial Intelligence Pushes Creation of New Data Center Designs | Costar news, AI Is Accelerating the Loss of Our Scarcest Natural Resource: Water| Forbes, AI Is Taking Water From the Desert - The Atlantic , Protecting climate refugees requires a legal definition | Climate Crisis | Opinion: Al Jazeera, Strengthening Global Cooperation Vital in Addressing Climate-Induced Migration : IOM | International Organization for Migration Portland clean energy committee: Keep money for what voters intended - oregonlive.com , BOEM holds first public meeting for wind energy project off Oregon coast | Video | kdrv.com , Oregon homeowners face rising premiums or limited property insurance options due to wildfire risk - oregonlive.com , Climate Litigation and Congressional Climate Resolution Juliana v Gov: Current Status : “… On February 29, 2024, the Ninth Circuit denied the DOJ’s motion to stay, permitting the case to proceed in the District Court. The Court of Appeals also asked the youth plaintiffs and Judge Ann Aiken to respond to the petition for Writ of Mandamus…” Ninth Circuit Denies DOJ Bid to Freeze Youth Climate Lawsuit | Bloomberg. February 2024 Updates to the Climate Case Charts | Columbia University Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Oregon Cases – 73 as of Feb 2024 Congressional Children’s Fundamental Rights and Climate Recovery Resolution: LWVUS’ Lobby Corps is currently having targeted Hill meetings on the Children’s Fundamental Rights and Climate Recovery Resolution to continue bipartisan conversations about the climate crisis and resolution and maintain League visibility on this vital issue federally. LWVUS re-endorsed the resolution upon its reintroduction, and maintains a related Action Alert on the website, asking folks to contact their Members of Congress. Climate Emergency - Volunteers Needed Please consider joining the Climate Emergency portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy areas: • Natural Climate Solutions, specifically Oregon Dept of Agriculture (ODA) • Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust • Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) • Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team • State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services • CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets • Climate Migration • Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with LWVOR Natural Resource Action Committee members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: Training for Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available. Please contact lwvor@lwvor.org if you have any questions, or wish to become involved with Climate Emergency issues.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 6/9 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: 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: Agriculture Air Quality Bottle Bill Update Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Forestry Governance Land Use & Housing Recycling State Land Board (SLB) Transportation Water Wildfire AGRICULTURE By Sandra U. Bishop OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT The first meeting of the Farm Stand Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) was held on May 16th. ( OAR 660-033-0130: Regarding farm stands in exclusive farm use (EFU) zones and agri-tourism) The meetings are live-streamed and recorded and may be reviewed on the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) YouTube channel . The 20-member RAC is expected to meet 4 or 5 times. The public hearing will likely be in September 2025. The public comment period for this rulemaking will close October 5, 2025. To submit public comment please email written comments to: farmforest.comment@dlcd.oregon.gov Comments must be in writing to be considered part of the rulemaking record. People may also make brief public comments at the RAC meetings . Rulemaking webpage AIR QUALITY SB 726 A would direct the Environmental Quality Commission to adopt rules requiring the use of advanced methane detection technology for surface emissions monitoring at municipal solid waste landfills, beginning 1/1/2027. The A7 amendment limits the bill's application to a landfill located in Benton County (e.g., Coffin Butte). Passed the House and repassed the Senate. Awaiting Governor’s signature. Related to this bill is HB 3794 , a bill that would create a Task Force on Municipal Solid Waste in the Willamette Valley. HB 3794 is sitting in Ways and Means. BOTTLE BILL UPDATE By Sandra U. Bishop The omnibus bottle bill SB 992 A , a conglomeration of several bills introduced this session to address problems with beverage container redemption in the Portland area, has been signed by the Governor! BUDGETS/REVENUE By Peggy Lynch Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources. However, there are currently over 500 bills in Joint Ways and Means, with many of the agency budget bills now moving through that committee and to the floor and then on to the Governor. Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 Dept. of Agriculture Fees: SB 5503 Both bills passed Full Ways and Means and the Senate. Headed to the House floor for a final vote. Five bills related to department’s various fee increases also passed Full Ways and Means. HB 2805 Relating to food establishment licenses ( Meeting Materials ), HB 2806 Relating to license fees for commercial instruments ( Meeting Materials ), HB 2809 Relating to pesticide registration fees ( Meeting Materials ), SB 1019 A Relating to brands ( Meeting Materials ), SB 832 A Relating to civil penalties for laws implemented by the State Department of Agriculture ( Meeting Materials ) Columbia River Gorge Commission: SB 5508 LFO Recommendation The bill passed Ways and Means and the Senate and House. Awaiting the Governor’s signature. Dept. of Environmental Quality: SB 5520 League testimony . LFO Recommendation and Meeting Materials The bill passed Full Ways and Means after a contentious discussion. Passed the Senate (17-11 with 2 excused). Now it goes to the House floor. As a major regulatory agency, this agency struggles to gain bipartisan support. Oregon Dept. of Energy: SB 5518 and Oregon Dept. of Energy Fees: SB 5519 Meeting Materials . Bills passed the Senate 18-10 with 2 excused. Awaiting a vote in the House. Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: HB 5009 ( LFO Recommendation ), along with HB 2342 A ( LFO Recommendation ) Relating to fees concerning wildlife, HB 2343 A ( LFO Recommendation ) Relating to the Columbia Basin endorsement and HB 2345 ( LFO Recommendation ) Relating to Oregon hatcheries. These three bills passed Full Ways and Means on June 6 and now head to chamber floors. Conservationists, with HB 2977 (a -2 amendment has been filed), would add 1% (or 1.5%) for conservation programs. That additional money would go to a special Fund at the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. It had a hearing in House Revenue on May 8. Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521 . Meeting Materials ; Work Session was set for May 27 and then cancelled. New Work Session June 5 where it passed the Subcommittee. LFO Recommendation The budget recommended that payroll be transferred to the Dept. of Administrative Services. POP 801 provides funding for the Private Forest Accord and Habitat Conservation Plan work. HB 2072, Harvest Tax, LFO Recommendation . Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI): HB 5010 Public hearing Feb. 5-6; Meeting materials LWVOR testimony 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. A public hearing was held on May 19 and the League provided verbal testimony on the proposed amendment. A Work Session was held May 28 where the -4 amendment was adopted. A work session was held on June 3. The LFO Recommendation for HB 5010 included additional staff related to the SB 836 fee increase, the carbon sequestration and e-permitting project. There were two budget notes, both of which the League can support related to reporting on the e-permitting project and the audit report done in April. Here is the LFO Recommendation for SB 836. Dept. of Land Conservation and Development: SB 5528 Governor’s budget DLCD Fact Sheet Public hearing Feb. 3-4; LCDC 1/24 presentation ; Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony . The budget is set for a work session in the Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee on June 9. This budget and the Oregon Housing and Community Services budget ( HB 5011 ) have been part of a challenging conversation between the Governor and the Ways and Means Co-Chairs with the Governor’s recommended budget being more than the May revenue forecast can afford. Land Use Board of Appeals: SB 5529 Public hearing Feb. 27 LWVOR testimony . The bill passed Full Ways and Means and the Senate. Is awaiting a vote in the House. Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB): HB 5021 and HB 2558 A modifies the definition of "charter guide" for purposes of outfitter and guide laws and HB 2982 A , a bill that increases boating permit costs estimated to increase revenue to OSMB by about $1 million for the 2025-27 biennium, most of which will be used to address Aquatic and Invasive Species (AIS) management in partnership with the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife were considered together. Here is the Legislative Fiscal Office recommendation for each of the three bills. HB 5021, HB 2558 and HB 2982 all passed the House chamber. Awaiting a vote in the Senate. Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 LWVOR testimony in support. LFO 2025-27 budget recommendation . LFO budget recommendation for SB 147. Both bills passed the Senate and the House. Awaiting the Governor’s signature. 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. The bill passed Full Ways and Means and is now headed to the House and Senate chambers. LFO Recommendation . There is a bill related to contracting rules that is passing and another, SB 565 , that would move the Capitol State Park back to the control of the Dept. of Administrative Services. Back in 2007, the League objected to the move to State Parks as a cost burden to Parks, but it was approved in part because of the lottery revenue available while the General Fund was struggling. Now the reverse is true. We understand that this bill may not move this session but may come back in 2026 where the League may be called on to engage. 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 (Bill moved to Ways and Means) and support HB 2803 (The - 3 amendment was adopted, reducing the fees significantly which will cause the department a revenue shortfall should the amendment stand the scrutiny of Ways and Means where it now lies.) The budget and fee bills are scheduled for a work session in Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee on June 10 along with HB 3544A , a bill that revises current statutes on contested case procedures related to new water right applications and water right transfer applications (contested cases). Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039 . Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-27 LWVOR testimony . Meeting Materials . Work Session June 2 where it passed the Subcommittee and passed Full Ways and Means on June 6 . Now headed to both chambers for a vote. LFO Recommendation Of special interest to the League is converting a staffer from “limited duration” (only through a biennium) permanent to oversee the agency’s land and water acquisitions, stewardship activities, the Oregon Agricultural Heritage Program (OAHP) and the Drinking Water Source Protection (DWSP) Program. The League has supported the DWSP Program. We were disappointed that no additional monies were added to the program under this budget bill and will continue to hope for an infusion of monies by the end of session. However, the OAHP received another $2 million General Funds. We see nothing in the bill for funding the Climate Fund for the current biennium. 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. Work Session June 2 where it passed the Subcommittee and passed Full Ways and Means on June 6 . Now headed to both chambers for a vote. LFO Recommendation Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT): SB 5541 info hearing 3/03-6, public hearing 3/11. The League signed on to a letter in support of increased transit funding. The Joint Committee on Transportation ended its work on May 23rd but a new committee ( Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment ) has taken over in hopes of coming to agreement on a comprehensive package before the end of session. On June 6, notice was given that a proposed package will be heard next week. This budget will await those actions. 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 Info hearings 4/29-30. Public hearing May 1st. Lottery Bonds: SB 5531 : an average debt capacity of $564 million in each Biennium. Public hearing May 9 and May 16.. The League supported two of the requests: $160 million for preservation of rental housing and $25 million to preserve manufactured housing and $100 million Housing Infrastructure Fund in Section 14. There are over $2 billion in requests for a variety of projects around Oregon! Emergency Board: HB 5006 This bill will be populated with an amount for the Emergency Board to spend at will and amounts in Special Purpose Appropriations if needed when the legislature is not in session. General Obligation Bonds, etc.: SB 5505 : an average debt capacity of $2.22 billion per Biennium. Public hearing held April 18. Second public hearing, this time on university and community college requests, was held May 2. 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.) Public hearing held May 2. 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 Cuts to NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) will affect Oregon coastal communities per this article in Columbia Insight. “ Lower catch limits for fish and compromised maritime safety are just some of the ways Trump’s proposed budget could weaken the Pacific Northwest. In the Pacific Northwest, cuts to NOAA are likely to negatively impact everyone from fishers and crabbers to rural communities responding to climate change. Cuts to NOAA are also likely to make it harder to track and respond to environmental harms, including climate change impacts, as well as threats to the health of our region’s fisheries and the safety of the food it produces.” OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION The League supports HB 3580 eelgrass stabilization LWVOR signed letter of support and HB 3587A Protection of Rocky Habitat LWVOR signed letter of support ( fiscal impact statement ). To help these bills get funded, consider LWVOR’s Action Alert . The League signed on to a letter of support for HB 3963 , a bill that extends the timeline for the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development to provide a report on offshore wind conversations from 2025 to 2027. A public hearing was held May 19. The League signed on to testimony in support. A work session was held May 29 where the bill passed committee in a partisan vote. The bill passed the House floor (34/18 with 2 excused) and now is headed to the Senate chamber for a vote. OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION The Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP) is currently developing its 2026-2030 Program Enhancement Assessment and Strategy. Draft Strategy The OCMP has selected to focus on wetlands, coastal hazards, and ocean resources in this 2026-2030 planning horizon. See the Draft Assessment and Strategy and provide feedback during the comment period of May 12 - June 12, 2025. The draft 2026-2030 Program Enhancement Assessment and Strategy can be found on their Public Comment webpage . Please provide comments on or before June 12. Send comments: E-mail Comments: coastal.policy@dlcd.oregon.gov Written Comments: OCMP-DLCD, 635 Capitol St. NE, Suite 150, Salem, OR 97301-2540. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch SB 1154 was filed by the Governor to address the groundwater/nitrate issue in Morrow and Umatilla counties per this OPB article . See also in the Water section for a presentation of interest. The bill has a public hearing and possible work session for June 9 in Senate Rules. An A3 amendment is posted. DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) By Joan Fryxell The Grassy-Mountain Gold Project Technical Review Team will meet June 16th. Information can be found here . The League continues to follow this project as the first consolidated permitting project to be held in Oregon. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) The ESRF Board of Directors will meet in North Bend June 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The public may attend in person or via Zoom. Click here to download the meeting agenda and materials . FORESTRY The Board of Forestry met June 4 and 5 per this press release . May 30: Today, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) deployed 14 firefighters to Alberta, Canada, four firefighters to Alaska, three to Minnesota, and one to Florida. With fire season beginning in some parts of the state, this will be the agency’s last big out-of-state resource push until the rainy fall returns in Oregon. ODF is continuing to sign mutual aid contracts with states around the country as each needs help during their specific fire seasons. GOVERNANCE HB 3569 , a bill that would require a Chief Sponsor (legislator) of a bill to be a part of a rules advisory committee (RAC) for legislation they had a hand in passing, passed the House. The League provided testimony with our concerns and opposition to the bill. The bill passed Senate Rules on June 5 and now goes to the Senate floor for a vote. The League continues to have discussions with Legislative Leadership and the Governor’s office on these RACs bills, explaining our concerns. 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. The League joined others in sharing concerns about this bill to members of House Rules. It was pulled from the scheduled work session on May 28th. 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 ( SB 437 , SB 1006 , SB 370 , SB 483 ) and SB 411 , SB 895 also in Senate Rules. HB 2454 passed House Rules with the -1 amendment and sent to Ways and Means. The bill creates a new Audits Officer (with possible additional staff). The Jt. Audits Committee would hire the Officer. From Leader Bowman’s office: “ HB 2454 changes the statutory authority related to audits and audit reviews from the Legislative Fiscal Office to the Legislative Audit Officer (LAO) and authorizes the LAO to hire necessary staff to carry out assigned functions. The LAO and his/her staff will be housed under the new Legislative Performance Oversight and Government Accountability Office. The bill does substitute LFO for the LAO on a number of responsibilities. LFO will continue fiscal analyses and other duties, while audits and oversight will be housed under the LAO.” We are 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. A work session was held May 28 where the -2 amendment was adopted to delay the web work and the bill sent to Ways and Means. 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. A second meeting related to the state agency rules process is set for June with an invitation to the League to continue to participate. See also the Governance section of this Legislative Report. LAND USE & HOUSING By Sandra U. Bishop/Peggy Lynch HB 2647 passed the House floor and was assigned to the Senate Housing and Development Committee where it passed the committee with the A 5 amendment , passed the Senate and has returned to the House floor for concurrence. 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 (already sitting in Ways and Means) but know there might be limited dollars this session so called out that link in our letter. The -1 amendment to HB 3939 was adopted and the bill moved to Ways and Means. HB 2316 : Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. HB 2316 -4 frees up approximately 3,500 acres of state land of which can now be used for housing production, all within the urban growth boundaries. It provides revenue to the state from the sale of the land, and it also provides revenue to our cities because the land becomes taxable for property taxes five years after purchase. The bill was sent to Revenue where a public hearing was held on May 15 and a work session was held May 27. The A6 amendment was adopted and the bill sent to Ways and Means. HB 2138 , the Governor’s follow up on the middle housing bill has a work session along with the Housing agency’s budget bill on June 10. “ The measure expands and streamlines middle housing requirements, applies them to more jurisdictions and certain unincorporated areas, clarifies definitions, and sets new deadlines for local governments to update land use regulations accordingly. It removes private covenants restricting middle housing or accessory dwelling units, eases traffic analysis requirements for small middle housing developments, and allows density bonuses for projects that include accessible or affordable units. The measure revises and simplifies the expedited land division process, limiting public notice and appeals, and requires local governments to process certain partitions as expedited if requested. It allows single room occupancies to be developed in greater numbers where multiunit housing is allowed, with capped parking requirements. It also directs the Land Conservation and Development Commission to adopt rules by 2028 .” The League engaged on elements of this bill over the summer but chose to stay silent due to some of the provisions in the bill. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. RECYCLING RECYCLING FLYER The Recycling Modernization Act that the League supported in 2021 is reaping rewards. Expanded options are coming July 1. Here is a DEQ flyer to help. STATE LAND BOARD (SLB) The State Land Board will meet on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Shutter Creek Facility in North Bend. Among the agenda items are: Appoint the Oregon Department of State Lands Director. (The SLB will meet in executive session on June 9th to consider this appointment.) Begin rulemaking for undersea cables in Oregon’s territorial sea. Acquire an 80-acre parcel of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in La Pine. Authorize a permanent easement on an existing freeway overpass in Portland’s Rose Quarter. Authorize the sale of and release of 274 acres of subsurface rights currently owned by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) in Morrow County. The Land Board will also hear an update on bills the Department is tracking in the 2025 legislative session, as well as a guest presentation from the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries on geologic carbon sequestration. TRANSPORTATION The latest transportation funding proposal was revealed June 4th by a group of Democratic lawmakers. Per the Oregonian article, it would “significantly boost funding for public transit and climate-friendly pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.” See a flyer briefly describing it. June 6, the House and Senate Republicans released their legislative concept (bill) to fund the transportation budget for 2025. Rep. Susan McLain, Co-Chair of the Transportation Reinvestment Committee, has announced a schedule for hearings on a proposed 2025 transportation plan. The hearing schedule for HB 2025 includes: Monday, June 9, 5 p.m.Informational Hearing Tuesday, June 10, 5 p.m. Public Hearing: Anchor projects and ODOT accountability Wednesday, June 11, 4 p.m. Public Hearing: Transit, rail, bike, and pedestrian safety Thursday, June 12, 4 p.m. Public Hearing: Operations, maintenance, and preservation From Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis: “ The bill, which sounds like it will be officially introduced on Monday will be HB 2025 and seems to try to bridge the Democrats’ initial plan, with this other one from this week that proposed a 100% increase in the gas tax to bring the tax to $.80/gallon (highest in the nation!), a 400% increase in the tax on workers' wages, car sales taxes, and big hikes on title and registration fees, all to fund empty buses, bike lanes, and costly climate initiatives.” WATER By Peggy Lynch A slate of water bills are being considered per this article in the Oregon Capital Chronicle. In an effort to modernize and streamline how state officials allocate what’s left of Oregon’s ground and surface waters, lawmakers are considering a slate of bills meant to get resource agencies collaborating on permitting reform, data collection and “management” rather than “regulation.” The status of the bills covered range from one awaiting the Governor’s signature to the many sitting in Rules Committees where work groups negotiate their content to those sitting in Ways and Means where they may or may not be funded. Due to capacity issues, the League has not engaged in many of these bills. HB 2169 had a work session on June 3 in Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee. LFO Recommendation The bill directs the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to establish and lead an interagency water reuse team to encourage and expand water reuse in Oregon. Full Ways and Means passed the bill on June 6 so it now goes to both chambers for a vote. HB 2947 also had a work session on June 3. “ Directs the Oregon State University Extension Service and the College of Agricultural Sciences of Oregon State University to study the distribution and occurrence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in biosolids applied to agricultural fields that do not produce crops intended for human consumption.” LFO Recommendation . Full Ways and Means passed the bill on June 6 so it now goes to both chambers for a vote. HB 3806 , a bill that authorizes the Oregon Water Resources Commission to approve a Deschutes River water bank pilot program if the charter is approved by the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and adheres to all requirements. It sunsets the pilot program on January 2, 2034, had a work session in Jt. Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources on May 29th. It was noted that funding for this pilot will be provided by the Deschutes River Conservancy. The bill passed and was sent to Full Ways and Means where it passed on June 6 and now goes to both chambers for a vote. LWV Deschutes County submitted a letter in support of SB 427 , a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows. A work session was held April 8 in Natural Resources and Wildfire, then the bill was sent to Senate Rules. SB 1153 , an alternate bill provided with help from the Governor’s office had a work session April 8 where the bill was sent to Senate Rules. After weeks of negotiations, a public hearing is set for June 3 with a work session held June 5 where no action was taken so a second work session is set for June 9 on SB 1153. A -10 amendment is now proposed. The June 3rd hearing included presentations by the large work group that developed the proposed legislation. “ Directs the Water Resources Department to consider whether certain water right transfers will result in a loss of in-stream habitat for sensitive, threatened or endangered aquatic species in stream reaches not protected by an existing water right or contribute to water quality impairment in water quality limited streams.” Water Right Process Improvements ( HB 3342 ). A - 4 amendment was adopted and the bill passed the House. Amended by the A 8 amendment, it passed the Senate. On May 29th the House concurred with the Senate amendment and passed the House floor and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature. Harney Basin Groundwater Management ( HB 3800 ). A work session was held and the bill was sent to House Rules without recommendation as to passage. Water Rights and Public Interest ( HB 3501 ) A work session was held and the bill was referred to House Rules without recommendation as to passage on a 6 to 3 vote. HB 3525 is related to tenants’ right to well water testing. The League submitted testimony in support. House Rules had a public hearing April 30. A work session scheduled for May 12 has been cancelled. A number of amendments have been offered. The controversy seems to be around timelines for testing—how often—and what exactly gets tested. The League hopes to see this bill move forward, even if there are constraints. It would be a beginning and a recognition that water needs to be safe for everyone-homeowners and renters. SUMMER PREPARATION TIPS League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. An Abnormally Dry designation has increased in NE and NW Oregon and now we also see our first level of Drought (Moderate) in some of those areas (over 8% of Oregon is in moderate drought (D1) and over 35% is abnormally dry (D0)). Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon and a long range climate prediction . We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs). “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. Information on current advisories can be found on the OHA’s cyanobacteria bloom webpage at healthoregon.org/hab . The OHA has an online photo gallery to help community members identify signs of potentially harmful blooms. WILDFIRE By Carolyn Mayers Along with the transportation package, wildfire funding has been a challenge for the legislature. The Governor has weighed in on the concept of taking at least a part of the “kicker” to fund wildfire: lawmakers have an option if they can agree on a better use for the kicker money. With a two-thirds supermajority (meaning at least two Senate Republicans and four House Republicans would need to approve along with all legislative Democrats.) vote in each chamber, they can opt to suspend the refund. That’s happened once since the policy was enacted in the late 70s. Because our Rural Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) are seeing a huge increase in their fire fees, Rep. Owens has offered the following: “ I introduced HB 3349 and HB 3350 to ensure our RFPAs have access to the tools they need. These bills propose establishing a dedicated funding stream to help RFPAs obtain gear from the Oregon Department of Forestry and better access federal resources. Importantly, this support does not change their volunteer status but simply gives them the resources to be more effective and safe while serving our communities.” Then the House Leadership decided to move SB 83 , which would repeal the State Wildfire Hazard Map and accompanying statues related to it, to House Rules at a Work Session on May 20. It seems that the bill is now being used as trade bait to find funding for wildfire according to a news release from Sen. David Brock Smith. SB 75 A , removes the wildfire hazard map as a guide for allowing ADUs and requiring higher building codes in rural areas. The bill was moved to House Rules on May 22nd by the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment where it is likely to stay while negotiations continue on wildfire funding. The Oregon Capital Insider provides information on the Dept. of Forestry’s budget and what’s happening at the federal level. The League heard a report from ODF staff from a meeting with the USForest Service: The agency is down 1,600 staff nationwide. Currently, they can't work for USFS for 5 years after. That issue is being worked on. Because they may need to bring people back this summer!! In 2024 the USFS had 44 Incident Management Teams. They are down to 37. These are leadership groups "running/management" for fires. They also have issues with "purchase cards"...credit cards used to purchase food/shelter/misc. equipment for fires. AND there are support people who have been let go. Others have chosen to take early retirement. Here is a short report on status of the bills mentioned last week: The Omnibus wildfire funding bill, HB 3940A , had a robust Public Hearing before the House Committee on Revenue on May 1. Legislative Revenue staff provided a table to help understand the various elements of the bill. Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office have stated the minimum annual need for wildfire funding to address the growing wildfire crisis is around $280 million. The bill has a provision related to increasing the bottle deposit to help pay for wildfire funding. This provision was widely opposed, but another concept has been floated where the unclaimed deposits (now used to help pay for the collection system) would be instead used for wildfire funding. This bill is still part of the wildfire funding conversation. SB 1177 is still before the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue. It had a public hearing on April 7. This bill would establish the Oregon Wildfire Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and redirect the “kicker” to it, one- time, for financing wildfire related expenses, by using the interest earned. A 5% return would yield approximately $170-180 million per year, or just over half of the aforementioned projected ongoing costs to fund wildfire mitigation and suppression. (The Governor has expressed interest in using only the amount of kicker that would go to large income earners for wildfire costs.) SJR 11 also remains before the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue after its April 7 public hearing. It would dedicate a fixed, to-be-determined percentage of net proceeds of the State Lottery to a wildfire fund created by the Legislature. Its passage would mean an amendment to the Oregon Constitution, which would have to go to the voters for approval. Finally, HB 3489 , which imposes a severance tax on owners of timber harvested from public or private forestland, had a Public Hearing April 24 before the House Committee on Revenue. The League has supported a severance tax in past sessions and provided testimony at the hearing. The League is also still following other non-funding related bills, such as SB 926 , which 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. It was passed by the Senate and had a work session on May 20 in the House Committee on Judiciary where the A 10 amendment was adopted. The Speaker sent the bill to Ways and Means. HB 3666 remains in the Rules Committee. This bill would establish wildfire mitigation actions and an accompanying certification for electric utilities in an attempt to standardize their approach. SB 1051 , which transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor, subject to Senate confirmation, is scheduled for a Work Session June 11 in the Senate Rules Committee where amendments may be considered. 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 Emergency , Revenue , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 2/24 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Climate Priorities Other Priorities Senate Energy and Environment Committee Nuclear Energy Bills Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire OHA & Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Critical Energy Infrastructure CEI: Laura Roger & Nikki Mandell Transportation: Claudia Keith Ways & Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith At this point in the session, we have identified a few League policy and/or budget Climate Emergency priorities, and some of those now have League testimony. This year most of our priorities are included in the bipartisan 2025 Legislative Environmental Caucus Priorities , CUB, Citizens Utility Board Priorities and or OCN, Oregon Conservation Network priorities; the only formal environmental lobby coalition group in the building. Consequently, for some of these bills (especially those in a package) the League may just join coalition sign-on letters rather than providing individual testimony. Climate Priorities HB 2966 : Establishes the State Public Financing Task Force (see 2023 HB2763, vetoed by the governor) Representative Gamba, Senator Golden, Frederick, Representative Andersen, Evans , House Commerce and Consumer Protection (H CCP) League Testimony , public hearing was 1/28/25. The bill would establish a 14-member State Public Finance Task Force, comprised of four legislators and 10 Oregonians appointed by the Governor. The Task Force would study how public bodies invest their capital funds, look for cost savings by using public financing practices, explore governing and corporate structures for public financing entities, and explore different public finance models. HB 3170 , Community Resilience Hubs and networks: DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony , House Climate, Energy, and Environment (H CEE); public hearing was 2/4/25 Other Priorities HB 3477 : Update to Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Goals. LC 1440. Bringing back SB 1559 (2024) moved to H CEE, Sponsored by Rep GAMBA, Sen Frederick, Golden, Patterson, Pham K, Taylor
 HB 2566 : Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects – H Governor Tina Kotek
, Public Hearing held 2/11/2024, (H CEE), DOE presentation HB 3365 : climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, McDonald , House Education Committee Rep Andersen, Gamba, Lively, Neron, Senator Patterson, Pham, Taylor. House Cm Educ. HB 2151 , 2152 , 2949 , 3450 : Critical Energy Infrastructure CEI Emergency Management Package, H EMGGV. CEI Hub Seismic Risk Analysis | Multnomah County, ‘ Public comment opportunity on DRAFT Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub Seismic Risk Analysis. Analysis aims to better characterize risk at the site.’. Zenith Energy positioning itself as region’s preeminent renewable fuels hub | Street Roots. This package of bills is tentatively scheduled for a 2/28 PH. SJR 28 : Environmental Rights Constitutional – Referral, Senate Rules, Amendment Leg Referral - Senator Golden, Representatives Andersen, Gamba, Senators Manning Jr, Prozanski, Representative Tran 
. The League has tentative plans to write testimony (comments) on this bill later this month. SB 679 : Climate Liability, (Sen. Golden, Senate Energy and Environment SB 680 : Climate Science / Greenwashing, Sen. Golden and Manning, moved to Judiciary, no recommendation, (S J) PH 2/26 Campos, Frederick, Gorsek, Patterson, Prozanski, Taylor SB 681 : Treasury: Fossil Fuel investment moratorium
, Sen Golden, Senate Finance and Revenue SB 682 : Climate Super Fund, Sen. Golden, Rep. Andersen, Gamba, Sen. Campos, Pham , SEE SB 688 : Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham, SEE SB 827 : Solar and Storage Rebate, Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, 
moved to W&M Carbon sequestration/storage see DOGAMI , Agency Budget (see Natural Resources Legislative Report) – Geologic Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Interactive Map | U.S. Geological Survey ( usgs.gov ) .
 Natural and Working Lands: ( OCAC NWL Report ) (see below)
 Data Center Energy Issue : ‘ It may be time to take a new look at electricity demand Oregon Capital Chronicle. “This year’s Oregon legislative session is likely to see measures intended to block these tech companies’ power demands from boosting at least residential rates even higher. Two placeholder bills on studying utilities have been filed, Senate Bill 128 and House Bill 3158 , and Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, is working on another one.“ (see SB 553 (LC 1547) mentioned below) Transportation package that prioritizes climate, equity, and wildlife This package would build on the historic gains of HB 2017 (which included investments in public transit, safe routes to School, and vehicle electrification), to shift the focus to multimodal, safety, and climate-forward investments. This promises to create a system that saves money over time and builds a more resilient, equitable, and healthy future for all Oregonians. (see OCN Press Rel ) Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability Package ( HB 3081 , SB 88 , LC 1547): Oregonians are struggling to keep up with skyrocketing utility bills in the face of ever-worsening climate impacts. HB 3081 would create an active navigator to help Oregonians access energy efficiency incentives all in one place. SB 88 limits the ability of utility companies to charge ratepayers for lobbying, litigation costs, fines, marketing, industry fees, and political spending. SB 553 LC 1547 ensures that large energy users (i.e. data centers) do not unfairly burden Oregon households. (*see OCN Press Rel ) Senate Energy and Environment Committee The committee moved three energy-related bills requested by the governor to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation: SB 825 : Requires ODOE to minimize reporting costs and duplication of reporting requirements for state agencies in the Building Energy Performance Standards program (ORS 469.275 to 469.291). Vote was unanimous. SB 827 : Expands the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program to offer rebates for an energy storage (battery) system that is installed to be paired with a previously installed solar electric system. No more than 25% of available rebate funds in a given year could be issued for such systems. The bill has no fiscal or revenue impact. The rebate program needs additional funding to move forward but the governor's budget does not request those funds. The committee voted 4-1 (Robinson) to move the bill to the floor, with subsequent referral to Joint W&M rescinded. SB 828 : Establishes the Grid Resilience Matching Fund to provide state matching funds to leverage federal grant funding for grid resilience projects. The bill has no fiscal impact, does not identify a revenue source and appropriates no funding. The committee voted 4-1 (Robinson) to move the bill with subsequent referral to Joint W&M. Nuclear Energy Bills The following bills have been posted for public hearing in House CE&E on Thurs. 2/27: NOTE: LWV and LWVOR have a Nuclear Waste Position which we may use to provide opposing testimony. HB 2038 : "Study" bill on nuclear advantages, feasibility, economic impact, safety, reliability, etc. HB 2410 : Allows siting of a small ( < 300 mW) modular reactor pilot project in Umatilla Co., subject to certain conditions including an up-or-down referendum in the county and establishes a fund in the treasury for that purpose. Before that, on Tues. 2/25, House CE&E has scheduled hearings on HJM 10 (seeking federal support for and leverage on BPA) and HB 3336 (declaring a state policy regarding the electric transmission system, including requiring an electric utility to develop strategic plans for using grid enhancing technologies). Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 4/21 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Environmental Justice Bills Climate Priority Advocacy Groups Climate Priorities with League Testimony , League Endorsement Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability Package Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment Climate Treasury Investment Bills Natural and Working Lands Other Priorities Other Climate Bills: New Priority Bills That Died In Policy Committee Transportation Climate Emergency JWM Budget Concerns Highlights of House and Senate Chamber Votes Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust The Federal admin (executive branch of government) response to Judicial (judiciary branch of government) court orders is at best case worrisome/concerning/questionable. News: ‘Judge orders federal agencies to release billions of dollars from two Biden-era initiatives’– OPB 4/14/25. (These 2+ initiatives address a number of energy/climate/carbon/ emergency management and community resiliency portfolios.) Like with many funding and policy issues affecting many state agencies, the League is very concerned; it’s unclear at this point if the Trump administration will respectively/lawfully respond to any Court orders. The normal situation would have DOJ step in, but with the current situation it’s unclear which federal law enforcement agency will enforce the court orders. Related, the Leagues Judiciary Study and new national position is scheduled to be approved prior to the 2025 June LWV Council meeting. You can track effects of federal cuts in Oregon through the Impact Project. See their interactive map . Many of the cuts listed affect climate and environmental concerns. Environmental Justice Bills HB2548 : establishes an agriculture workforce labor standards board, League Testimony . Work Session was held 4/9 passed 4/3, with no amendments, no recommendation and referred to House Rules. 
 Climate Priority Advocacy Groups For the first time, this year most of our priorities are included in the bipartisan 2025 Legislative Environmental Caucus Priorities , Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Priorities and/or Oregon Conservation Network (OCN) priorities . OCN is the only formal environmental lobby coalition group in the capitol. Consequently, for some of these bills (especially those in a package) the League may just join coalition sign-on letters rather than providing individual testimony. Another statewide organization is also advocating for many Climate / Energy Legislative bills. SEE Consolidated Oregon Indivisible Network (COIN) resource page. News: The Ashland Chronicle: Oregon Indivisible Network Update 4/15/25 . Climate Priorities with League Testimony with League Endorsement and Still Alive HB 3170 : Community Resilience Hubs and networks : Work Session 3/4, passed to JWM, DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony 
 
 
 
 Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Update By Nikki Mandell Four CEI bills are part of a package which was the subject of public hearings February 27 and March 6 in the House Energy Management, General Government, and Veterans Committee: OPB: ‘ Portland councilors discuss safety of storing oil in an industrial hub sitting on a quake zone’, 3/18/25. S ee CEI Hub Seismic Risk Analysis ( The study, Impacts of Fuel Releases from the CEI Hub, is intended to characterize and quantify the anticipated damages from the CEI Hub in the event of the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) Earthquake.) CEI energy storage transition plan 
, The Bigger Picture: ASCE's ( American Society of Civil Engineers , founded in 1852 ) , Oregon C- grade Infrastructure Report Card . Three of the four CEI Hub-related bills introduced in January are still alive (listed below). They passed through the House Committee on Emergency Management on Tues., April 8. All three have costs associated with them, so they’ve been referred to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means (aka Budget Committee), where they’ll be further assigned to a Ways & Means subcommittee. Then, the very uncertain budget situation, in combination legislators’ different priorities and horse-trading will take over. The outcome of Ways & Means’ work may not be known until the last few days of the legislative session (targeted to end June 18, but constitutionally will end no later than June 29) HB 2152 : calls on OR Dept. of Energy to develop a plan for geographically diverse storage of fuels for disaster response. HB 2949 : calls for a risk bond requirement for all bulk fuel storage facilities that are currently regulated by DEQs Fuel Tank Seismic Stability program (SB 1567, 2022) HB 3450 : calls on OR Dept. of Energy to develop a transition plan for the CEI Hub to ensure the state’s “energy resiliency” A bit more info about what is in the versions of these bills that have now passed on to the Ways & Means Committee: HB 2152 passed through Rep. Tran’s committee with the -1 amendment. The amendment expanded the list of required stakeholders to be consulted to include federally recognized tribes and labor (passed with all 4 Dems voting Aye, and all 3 Repubs voting nay) HB 2949 passed through Rep. Tran’s committee as the -5 amendment. This bill is significantly different from what was introduced in January. The initial bill called for a study of the viability of a risk bond requirement. At the strong urging of Multnomah County, with support from community advocates, and weeks of back and forth involving the county, community advocates, and industry lobbyists, the bill now calls on DEQ to establish a risk bond regulation. It’s not a perfect bill, but it avoids the years-long delay of a study bill, has strong provisions for determining the level of financial responsibility, allows DEQ to fine, suspend or close down operations for non-compliance, and gives local govt.s and community members a combined 2/3 representation on the rules-making advisory committee. On the not-perfect side, the bill sets a cap on the level of risk bonding that can be required during the first three years, makes it possible for the rules to allow (or disallow) self-insurance; and preempts local govt.s from passing a separate risk bond requirement (passed through the committee unanimously!) HB 3450 passed through Rep. Tran’s committee with the -1 amendment. There is a more comprehensive -2 amendment posted in OLIS that incorporates the public testimony of community supporters. Rep. Tran could not muster enough support on the committee to bring this -2 amendment forward. In order to keep the concept alive, she asked for a vote on the -1 amendment. (passed through the committee with all 4 Dems voting Aye- one expressing deep reservations; and all 3 Repubs voting nay). Rep. Tran has committed to doing what she can to amend the CEI Hub Transition Plan bill (HB 3450) to be closer to the more comprehensive -2 amendment version. I'll be meeting with her next week to explore the options. The big lift going forward will be to advocate with members of the Ways & Means sub- and full committee, and with Democratic caucus leadership for CEI Hub legislation. Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability Package HB 3081A ( League testimony ) work session held 4/8, adopted -1 amendment, in JWM, creates an active navigator to help access energy efficiency incentives all in one place 
 
 
,‘on stop shopping’. SB 88 ( League testimony ) work session was 3/24, limits the ability of utility companies to charge ratepayers for lobbying, litigation costs, fines, marketing, industry fees, and political spending. 
 Moved to Sen Rules on 3/28. 
 In addition to our testimony, LWVOR joined the Oregon Conservation Network, coordinated through the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, in sign-on letters supporting both HB 3081 and SB 88. PH 3/4 3/4 Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment At this point in the session, it is unclear if SJR 28 will move out of Sen Rules. SJR 28 proposed -1 amendment , Environmental Rights Constitutional amendment (ERA) S enate Joint Resolution - with referral to the 2026 ballot, public hearing was 3/26 . The League provided support with comments testimony . The bill is in Senate Rules , so the Legislative first chamber deadlines are not applicable. A Work Session is not yet scheduled. The -1 a mendment is a partial rewrite and may address the League’s concerns. LWVUS has provided guidance since over 26 states have - or are in the process of voting on green / environmental rights constitutional topics or initiatives. These usually take the form of a legislative referral to the people. The New Mexico green amendment campaign focuses on racial justice. Climate Treasury Investment Bills SB 681 : Dead: Treasury: Fossil Fuel investment moratorium, Senate Finance and Revenue, PH 3/19. testimony. Sen Golden. 
 
 
 HB 2200 -1 , work session was 4/8, bill was requested by previous Treasury Sec Tobias and supported by Treasurer Steiner, related to ESG investing , identified as the compromise bill. League – NO Comment, could move to the floor, no JWM required. 
 (still in H EMGGV, awaiting transfer to desk) HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing / public bank Task Force , Work Session 3/6/2025 passed to Joint Ways and Means (JWM), League Testimony , Rep Gamba, Senator,Golden, Frederick, Rep Andersen, Evans 
. Historically, since 2009 Public banking policy topic has been included in many Leg sessions, (go here and then use Control F to search for ‘bank’. ) 22 bills have died in committee over the past 16 years. Natural and Working Lands HB 5039 financial administration of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; JWM NR SC, League testimony 
 
 
 
 
 HB 3103A – work session 3/31. Moved to JWM, Overweight Timber Harvest , , League Testimony , new adopted -5 amendment . 
 
 Other Priorities HB 2566A : Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects , Work Session was 3/20, moved to JWM, Rep Gamba was the only nay. At the request of Governor Tina Kotek (H CEE), DOE presentation 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 HB 3365 A: 4/17 passed House 32/23, work session was 4/9, moved to floor with adopted amendment -4 . climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, House Cm Educ, PH was 3/12, League Testimony , NO Fiscal noted , Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald , Rep Andersen, Gamba, Lively, Neron, Senator Patterson, Pham, Taylor. 
 
 
 
 SB 688 A: -5 , Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, PH 3/12,& 3/19, work session was 3/24, $500K fiscal, moved to JWM , League testimony , Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham, 
 
 
 
 
 SB 827A : Solar and Storage Rebate , SEE Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, Senate voted 21-7, moves to House 3/4 

 first reading. 
 referred to H CEE 3/10 
 
, PH 4/22 
 HB 3546A , -3 the POWER Act , work session was 4/8, bipartisan vote, moved , House vote 4/21. The bill requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create a new rate class for the largest energy users in the state. (data centers and other high-volume users). These regulations would only apply to customers in the for-profit utility's service areas of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. NO Fiscal, on its way to the floor. The League has approved being listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . 
 
 
 
 
 Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV , Citizens Utility Board CUB presentation here . 
 
 
 
 
 SB 1143A : -3 , moved to JWM, with bipartisan vote, PH was 3/19, Work session was 4/7 SEE, PUC established a pilot program that allows each natural gas Co to develop a utility-scale thermal energy network (TEN) pilot project to provide heating and cooling services to customers. Senator Lieber, Sollman, Representative Levy B, Senator Smith DB, Representative Andersen, Marsh. Example: Introduction to the MIT Thermal Energy Networks (MITTEN) Plan for Rapid and Cost-Effective Campus Decarbonization. 
 
 Other Climate Bills: New HB 3609 work session 4/8, moved to JWM. The measure requires electric companies to develop and file with the Oregon Public Utility Commission a distributed power plant program for the procurement of grid services from customers of the electric company who enroll in the program. H CEE, PH 3/11 
 HB 3653 work session 4/8 passed unanimous, House vote 51 - 9. Allows authorized state agencies to enter into energy performance contracts without requiring a competitive procurement if the authorized state agency follows rules that the Attorney General adopts, negotiates a performance guarantee, and enters into the contract with a qualified energy service company that the ODOE prequalifies and approves. 
. Priority Bills that died in policy committee Some of these related to funding may appear in the end of session reconciliation (“Christmas tree”) bill. HB 3477 : Update to Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Goals. League testimony . House Climate, Energy, and Environment (CEE), Sponsored by Rep GAMBA, Sen Frederick, Golden, Patterson, Pham K, Taylor 
 
 
 
 
 SB 54 : Work Session was cancelled. The bill required landlords provide cooling for residential units . The League endorsed and added our name to a OJTA Oregon Justice Transition Alliance, sign-on letter . 
 Energy Trust of Oregon neutral testimony includes a presentation slide deck posted to OLIS on March 19, 2025. “ Energy Trust of Oregon does not support or oppose SB 54, and this is in accordance with Energy Trust’s contract with the Oregon Public Utility Commission which prohibits Energy Trust from lobbying. We are a neutral party per agreement with PUC.” 
 SB 1187 new Climate cost recovery Liability interagency bill , PH 4/7, Sen. Golden, Senate Energy and Environment 
 
(Replaces SB 679 and SB 682 : 
 
 
 SB 680 : Climate Science/Greenwashing , Sen. Golden and Manning, moved to Sen Judiciary , no recommendation, S NRWF PH was 2/26, sponsors: Campos, Frederick, Gorsek, Patterson, Prozanski, Taylor 
 
 
 
 
 
 Transportation This ODOT video gives a good short overview of the history and current status /challenges with Transportation funding and management strategic issues. Oregon Democrats unveil $1.9 billion transportation funding plan The plan includes raising the state gas tax to 60 cents per gallon, higher DMV fees, higher bike taxes and more. | *Oregon Capital Chronicle (OCC). ODOT answers to budget presentation questions an 18-page document dated March 13. ODOT budget presentation package detail materials can be found Here. Oregon transit agencies warn lawmakers of service cuts without a funding hike – OPB 3/28/25. The League is concerned with federal guidelines: “McLain and Gorsek said they’re confident in Oregon’s ability to continue to receive federal transportation grants, despite directives from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that federal funding should go toward states with high marriage and birth rates, no vaccine or mask mandates and that are committed to working with the federal government to enforce Trump’s immigration policy — all areas that don’t apply to Oregon.” See OCC article . KGW NEWS: What it could cost you to rescue Oregon's transportation funding | The Story | April 4, 2025 Climate Emergency JWM Budget Concerns In order to stay on track, the Legislature must prioritize investments for vital environmental justice, climate and community protection programs (CPP). Without additional appropriations this session, the following existing successful climate, CPP and environmental justice programs may run out of funding: Community Renewable Energy Grant Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 
 Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 
 Community Heat Pump Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 
 Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program/Charge Ahead (DEQ) 
 
 
 
 Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Rebates + Infrastructure Grants (DEQ) 
 
 
 
 Community Resilience Hubs and Networks (ODHS) 
 
 
 
 Climate Change Worker Relief Fund (DAS) 
 
 
 
 Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 
 Natural & Working Lands Fund (OWEB) 
 
 See Natural Resources Legislative Reports for budget league testimonies including climate topics in over 12 agencies. Highlights of House and Senate Chamber Votes By a vote of 41-14, the House passed HB 3874 (Helm), which would increase the threshold for siting and approval of a wind energy facility at the local level from 50 MW to 100 MW of average electric generating capacity, before the facility must obtain a site certificate from EFSC. Either the county or the developer could elect to defer regulatory authority to EFSC. Wind turbines have a relatively small footprint, and technological improvements have more than tripled the generating capacity of a single wind tower. Farmers and other landowners have found that wind facilities can provide additional income while maintaining the overall productivity of their lands. Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Here is one example of how to track ODEQ Climate Protection Program cases. Basically, there are a number of active federal lawsuits , Climate Litigation Updates (April 10, 2025) Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 85 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 2/16 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Climate Priorities Senate Committee on Energy and Environment News Oregon Treasury Climate Lawsuits/Our Children's Trust Many Climate Emergency priority policy and or funding bills the league supports are expected to move to JWM or the floor. The deadline for posting work sessions for most first chamber policy committees was Monday Feb 16, find details below. (note: bills in any joint, rules or revenue committees have no deadlines) Climate Priority Bills The League may have testimony and/or join coalition letters. SB 1541 A Make Polluters Pay (MPP), new SMS , Senate Energy and Environment , PH 2/5 and work session 2/10 , - 2 amendment , moved to Joint Ways and Means (JWM) . LWVOR submitted testimony . Creates the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to assess financial impacts of greenhouse gas emissions and recover costs from responsible entities. Multiple state agencies are involved including, Department of Land Conservation and Development, Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Health Authority, and Land Conservation and Developmet Commission. The oversight body is Environmental Quality Commission (EQC). The League has joined the Make Polluters Pay Campaign . This climate legislation is a national effort covered today by the New York Times , reporting that a number of other states are in the process of passing and/or implementing. SB 1526 A, new SMS , Fund for Oregon Resilience, Growth, and Energy, work session was 2/9, Senate Energy and Environment (SEE) moved the bill to JWM, League testimony . Creates financing tools, including a revolving loan fund, to provide more affordable, accessible long-term financing for clean energy and resilience infrastructure projects in Oregon. This is modeled on a number of other states’ legislation , some as "green" banking nonprofits. SB 1582 , Community-Based Power: Distributed Power Plants, SEE possible work session 2/16. Distributed power plants (DPPs) bring together customer resources like rooftop solar, battery systems, and smart thermostats to help maximize grid efficiency by using energy sources already connected to the grid to balance grid loads. This bill requires each investor-owned utility to develop a DPP program and file it with the PUC, which would adopt annual procurement targets for DPP grid services, along with annual performance incentives for the utilities to achieve those targets. HB 4046-2 , Nuclear Study Bill, House Climate, Energy, and Environment (HCEE), work session 2/12, moved to JWM unanimously as amended. New SMS , directs the Oregon Department of Energy, subject to the availability of funding, to conduct a study on nuclear energy, including advanced nuclear reactors. The -2 amendment, a substantial rewrite of the original bill negotiated with opponents, seemed to satisfy committee members that the study could be unbiased as to nuclear energy issues. HB 4031 A : new SMS , first reading in Senate 2/16, House passed on 2/12. Exempts a renewable energy facility from needing a site certificate from the Energy Facility Siting Council if the facility qualifies for certain federal renewable energy tax credits and construction is scheduled to begin on or before December 31, 2028. HB 1597 SEE PH 2/4 , possible WKS 2/16. A number of amendments will be considered. Makes a power provider disclose the costs to store the waste made from making any electric power. SMS Senate Energy and Environment 2/11 The meeting started 15 minutes late with Sen. Sollman announcing that the scheduled work sessions for SB 1582 (Virtual Power Plant programs), SB 1588 (Upgrade and Save) and SB 1597 (nuclear waste storage costs) were carried over to Mon. 2/16, the final day for 1st chamber passage. Instead, attendees were treated to an informational meeting on the nuclear energy study bill HB 4046. Other bills we are following: Work sessions: • HB 4029 - Requires a solar energy contractor or person that installs a solar energy system to have a license appropriate for the scope of work the solar energy contractor or person will perform. (Carried over from 2/5) • HB 4144 - Requires producers of batteries or battery-containing products to join a battery producer responsibility organization and implement a battery producer responsibility program for the collection and recycling of batteries. • HB 4080 - Allows a retail electricity consumer to install and use portable solar photovoltaic energy devices with up to a total maximum generating capacity of 1,200 watts. • HJM 201 - Urges Congress to pass legislation to permanently extend federal tax cuts for wildfire victims. Public hearings: • HB 4077 - Authorizes a public utility, upon approval by PUC, to issue bonds and securitize debt for costs and expenses incurred or to be incurred by the public utility associated with a self-insurance or captive insurance program. (Carried over from 2/5) • HB 4046 - Directs ODOE, subject to the availability of funding, to conduct a study on nuclear energy, including advanced nuclear reactors. News Other states follow Oregon’s lead in targeting data centers ’ energy costs | OregonLive Oregon Treasury & Oregon Divest New 2025 Treasury : Climate-Positive Investing : Invested for Oregon Report Tracking Net zero climate positive investment strategies . Oregon pension shows climate progress , private markets drive emissions | Private Equity Stakeholder Project.org Oregon State Treasury should engage or divest from companies fueling a new era of resource conflicts. (Divest Oregon . ORG) Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust There are a number of active federal lawsuits. Columbia University Law ( CUL) Climate Litigation Jan 30 Updates . Another source: CLU - Sabin Climate DB lists 97 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Climate Emergency ? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The short legislative session begins in January of 2026. Many State Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of climate or natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, or Claudia Keith Climate Emergency at peggylynchor@gmail.com Or climatepolicy@lwvor.org . Training will be offered. · Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture · Transportation and ODOT state agency · Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s TrustDA · Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) · Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) · State Pr ocurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) · CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets · Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report section

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/27 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Land Use/Housing Recycling Water The League is watching major housing bills as they move forward. We will be interested in the rebalance of the 2021-23 budget this week as well. Will there be funding for the Governor’s housing emergency and for semiconductor manufacturing? The next important session date is March 17 when policy bills will need to be scheduled for a Work Session or they are dead for the session. Budgets/Revenue The Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ) was heard on Feb. 21-22. Here is the agency presentation . Public testimony was allowed on Mar. 2 due to snow closure on Feb. 23rd. The Oregon Marine Board budget ( SB 5521 ) agency presentation and public hearing was on Feb. 27. The League provided testimony in support. The Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) budget ( HB 5020 ) was heard Feb. 28 & Mar. 1 & 2, with public testimony on March 2. Here is the ODF agency presentation . See the POPs on Page 72. The League will provide testimony requesting that the climate change budget requests that were not included in the Governor’s budget be added back to this budget. The Land Use Board of Appeals agency presentation and public testimony is Mar. 6. The Dept. of State Lands budget ( HB 5037 ) is Mar. 7-9 with public testimony on 9. DSL one-pager . The Columbia Gorge Commission budget will be heard March 13—both agency presentation and public testimony. The Oregon Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) budget ( HB 5002 and HB 5003 ) is tentatively scheduled for March 14-16. Oregon Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) budget ( SB 5509 ) week of March 20. Dept. of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) ( HB 5018 and HB 5019 ) week of March 27. Here’s the DEQ one-pager . Tentative date for the Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) budget ( HB 5043 ) is early April. Here is their one-pager . Have you heard of “the kicker”? Here’s an article for you. Kicker amounts won’t be finalized until the 2021-23 budget is closed in Sept. SB 5543 , Bond Authorization, SB 5544 , Capital Construction, SB 5545 , 2021-23 Allocations Bill and HB 5045 , 2021-23 Budget Rebalance were all heard in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction March 3. Look for a Full Ways and Means Committee meeting this week. At the writing of this report we don’t know if the rebalance bills will include early funding for housing/homeless needs ( HB 2001 with the -11 Amendment and HB 5019 ) and SB 4 semiconductor funding requests. Oregon’s reserves are at $2 billion and those funds are not expected to be used, nor is the $3.9 billion kicker money that is expected to be returned to taxpayers. 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 Coastal League members have raised the alarm about a new bill recently filed. HB 3382 would provide certain Ports with an exception from our land use planning system to allow dredging and other activities around these Ports without the current public process and federal consistency requirements. The League has shared our concerns with others. Columbia River Treaty By Phillip Thor The League recently received an update on the negotiations around the U.S. and Canada on the Columbia River Treaty. This included: From 2018 to 2023, the two countries held 15 rounds of negotiations, with the last round of negotiations held on January 25-26, 2023. 27 According to the State Department, the U.S. negotiating position is guided by the U.S. Entity’s Regional Recommendation and includes participation on the negotiating team by the Department of State, BPA, the Corps, the Department of the Interior, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The State Department and the Province of British Columbia have also convened town halls and community meetings to discuss the status of negotiations with the public. Dept. of Environmental Quality The League has followed the story of the water quality/nitrate concentrations that for years, have been affecting the health of residents in the Morrow and Umatilla Counties. Leaguers might want to listen to two residents of Boardman on OPB’s Think Out Loud program. Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) By Peggy Lynch The League follows the work of this agency and provided testimony in support of SB 220 that would provide a fee to pay for implementation of a new e-permitting system for mining interests instead of using $2 million in General Funds. We also provided t estimony in support of SB 221 to provide ongoing funding for this new system and testimony on SB 222 to allow DOGAMI to accept credit cards and to add the credit card fee to the permittees if they choose to use a credit card. Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch We are dismayed by the fact that SB 4 includes “supersiting” authority by the Governor for many acres of farmland “just in case” the semiconductor industry might want to build a new facility in Oregon. There are a number of industrial sites in current urban growth boundaries that will be able to accommodate all but the largest facility. For instance, HP, in Corvallis, is looking at expanding—on its current land. While our housing volunteers follow housing policies, at natural resources, we follow the land use elements of any bills. HB 2001 with the -11 Amendment will include work by the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), including enforcement mechanisms for DLCD—to assure that cities are meeting the targets in the bill. It has been sent to Ways and Means. It is unclear if HB 2001 and HB 5019 will be part of the budget rebalance reported above in this report. A news release issued Feb. 22 announced that HB 5019 will be amended and will be the vehicle for funding the policies in HB 2001-11. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Recycling By Kathy Moyd A Work Session will be held March 7 in Senate Energy and Environment on SB 545 . A -1 Amendment has been posted for consideration. The bill directs the State Department of Agriculture and Oregon Health Authority to adopt rules allowing consumers to use their own containers for refilling with food at a food establishment. The League provided testimony on the base bill in Support. DEQ will be holding the fifth Recycling Modernization Act Rulemaking Advisory Committee meeting from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 10. DEQ will be presenting rule concepts related to Confidentiality, Entry of New PROs, Covered Product Estimates, and will be providing a proposal for an implementation transition period. There will also be further discussion related to the practicability benchmark, the responsible end market definition, and specific materials on the materials acceptance list. To attend the meeting please register through this link . To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee, view the rulemaking web page at: Recycling Updates 2023 . Water By Peggy Lynch The League has strong positions on water quality and the importance of wetlands. For a number of years, the League has supported an increase in removal/fill fees so it was easy for us to support HB 2238 . Place-based Planning is a concept that the League has supported since its inception in 2014. We participated in the HB 5006 Work Group where members suggested updating that planning program. HB 3163 would create a special Fund for these regional planning efforts. The League testified in support of the Fund. We are working with others on the specific criteria listed for qualifying for access to the Fund. The Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) is being updated . Go to the website for opportunities to participate. The League is engaged in discussions on HB 3100 related to the IWRS. We were excited to see that Oregon will receive $19 million to address PFAS chemicals in water systems in small and low-income communities. This OPB article helps explain the award. We have just learned that HB 3207 will be up for a public hearing on March 7 related to domestic well water testing and HB 3208 that would expand the Environmental Quality Commission’s authority to annually adjust additional water quality fees up to 3% per year. The League has participated in a rules advisory committee related to 3% fees for other water quality permits and has been invited to do so again this year. 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. We have an on-going drought throughout Oregon and League members may want to check the U.S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Above you can see the names of League volunteers who covered one or more issues. Volunteers are needed. Please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. The 2023 legislative session is almost halfway over. 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.