Please see Natural Resources Overview here.

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AGRICULTURE

Sandra U. Bishop

HB 4153: Relating to farm stores. This bill would allow large stores in permanent structures on Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) zoned land and would allow for major expansion of agri-tourism. The bill did not address the problem of various counties interpreting the law in such a way that there are inconsistencies in what is allowed in different counties under the same statewide law. Two public hearings were held. Written testimony amounted to more than 1,000 submissions. A Work Session was held 2/17 in House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. The bill was moved out of committee (8-3) with a Do Pass with -3 amendments and referred to Ways and Means Committee. The – 3 amendments do not adequately address concerns brought up in League testimony. The League continues to oppose the bill. The Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee scheduled an Informational Meeting on farm store and farm stand regulations with invited speakers on 2/20. This informational meeting has been postponed twice and is currently scheduled for 2/24. Because bills moved to Ways and Means do not go to the second chamber policy committee, these informational presentations help members understand the policies being considered. One of the invited speakers is expected to be Alice Morrison, Co-Director of Friends of Family Farmers (presentation). The League supports the sale of farm products at farm stands and maintaining agricultural land in Oregon primarily for agriculture use. 2/24 Informational Meeting on Farm Stand and Farm Store Regulations in Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee.

HB 4130: Relating to farm use. As introduced this measure would clarify the meaning of preparing farm products and by-products. No Work Session has been scheduled. The assumption is this bill is dead for this session; however, it does sit in House Revenue, a committee that stays open until close to the end of the session.

BUDGETS/REVENUE

Peggy Lynch

See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report for in depth information.  We encourage you to read ALL sections. The Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Natural Resources continues to receive reports as they grapple with balancing the budget.  They focused on the Dept. of Environmental Quality on Feb. 18. HB 4144 A: 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. It has a Work Session in Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee Feb. 23. 

CLIMATE

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

Christine Moffitt

SB 1525 would establish the Blue Economy Task Force to study and report on economic development plans or strategies for the “blue” (coastal) economy and opportunities for the state to nurture sustainable blue economy businesses while preserving and protecting Oregon’s coastal ecosystems. It would authorize the Oregon Ocean Science Trust (OOST) to create a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) entity to advance the trust’s mission. The trust has distributed $2 million in competitive grant funding for high-impact research projects, but more research is needed. The 501(c)(3) would serve as a dedicated fund-raising arm of the trust--“technically clean, fiscally noncontroversial, and urgently needed.” The task force would sunset on 12/31/2027. The bill is starred for subsequent referral to Joint W&M. The League has been a continual supporter of the OOST.  

The committee voted unanimously to move SB 1525-3 to the Senate floor with prior referral to Joint Ways & Means. As amended, the bill would specify additional members of the task force including labor and tribal representatives. The bill would also authorize the Oregon Ocean Science Trust to create a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) entity to serve as a dedicated fund-raising arm of the trust. Note: The House has passed HB 4097, as did the Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire and sent this bill to the Senate floor.  This bill would simply authorize creation of the tax-exempt entity.  The bill was filed in case SB 1525 did not get out of Ways and Means. 

SB 5701: Modifies previously approved lottery bonding provisions. (Includes monies for the Port of Coos Bay) Bond Authority. The bill was described as simply a correction/allocation issue.  League members will follow up. Public Hearing Feb. 13 where the issue wasn’t raised.

News Release: Draft Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap Available. The public may comment from February 17 – April 3, 2026. Public meetings are also scheduled for our south coast communities starting Feb. 25^th. The League provided Comments on HB 4080 in 2024.   

Public Access Rulemaking has begun to clarify how local governments will address protection of public access to Oregon beaches. 

Undersea Infrastructure and Easements in Oregon’s Territorial Sea Rulemaking begins Feb. 11.  

DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ)

HB 4102: Modifies the authority of the Department of Environmental Quality to enter into agreements with regulated entities to expedite or enhance a regulatory process. It would allow DEQ to hire third-party contractors to expedite environmental permitting, as a response to DEQ’s sizable permitting backlog. Tech organizations and other advocates said the bill would speed up permitting for large projects and give businesses the certainty they need to grow jobs in Oregon. LWVOR opposed the bill in written testimony, expressing great concern about the use of outside contractors to perform important permitting work, especially if those contractors are paid by the regulated businesses. Multiple environmental organizations objected on the same grounds and pushed for sideboards to ensure that DEQ could identify qualified contractors and screen out those with conflicts of interest. Several committee members acknowledged these concerns and regretted that the tight deadlines of the short session prevented them from diving deeper into these issues.

Other members suggested that agencies’ normal procurement practices would result in proper vetting of potential contractors, and this business-friendly bill was too important to delay. The committee essentially chose to punt these concerns to the Senate, assuming passage in the House, though the House would need to repass any amended bill. Bill passed the House.  We appreciated Rep. Gamba’s statement on the House floor regarding …”the potential influence on a permitting process without further sideboards.” The bill has been assigned to Senate Energy and Environment with a Public Hearing Feb. 16.

An amendment has been posted that may address our concerns but goes well beyond our request as others also opposed the bill and the amendment may well also address their concerns as well.  Senate E&E heard testimony on the proposed amendment, which essentially would replace the House-passed bill in an effort to ward off environmental opposition and win support from labor. Major provisions of the amendment would (1) require 3rd-party vendors to disclose potential conflicts of interest; (2) require permit applicants to report their history of compliance with environmental rules; and (3) specify labor standards relative to the employment of skilled Oregon workers on permitted construction projects. Labor groups that were neutral on the base bill strongly supported the amended bill, and some environmental witnesses said they could live with the -1. Much of the discussion was technical, centering on whether the bill's new language duplicates that of DEQ's existing contractual rules. Of interest, an Intel representative stated on the record that Oregon does “underfund our permitting agencies.” Work Session Feb. 23.

FORESTRY (ODF)

Josie Koehne

The Board of Forestry is meeting March 4.  News Release 

The following is a list of bills we will be watching and possibly commenting on:

• HB 4004:  Provides that additional taxes otherwise imposed upon disqualification of land from certain forestland special assessment programs may not be collected if the disqualification is due to the suspension of reforestation requirements as a result of insects or disease.The bill passed the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water after adoption of -11 amendments, -13 amendments and -14 amendments and sent to House Revenue where the – A 17 amendment was adopted and has been sent to the House floor.     

• HB 4105:  Directs the State Forester to determine the available state forestland, establish sustainable harvest levels for harvesting timber on state forestland and manage available state forestland. Allows certain persons to seek a court order if the State Forester fails to establish sustainable harvest levels or manage available state forestland. Sponsors are working to reduce the fiscal impact in order to pass the bill this session. Look for amendments. The bill has a subsequent referral to Ways and Means.  LWVOR opposed a version of this bill in 2025. Public Hearing Feb. 11. LWVOR testimony in opposition.  Bill passed the Committee (10/1) and was sent to Ways and Means.

• SB 1590 A: Prohibits public bodies from assisting the federal government with privatization of certain federally owned lands. Bill was amended and moved to the Senate floor on a 3 to2 party line vote. Bill passed the Senate 17/11/2 on Feb. 19 and heads to the House Ag et al committee where there will be a Public Hearing on Feb. 23 and Work Session Feb. 25.

GOVERNANCE

Peggy Lynch

The Natural Resources Team often follows bills related to permitting and rulemaking processes.  Among the bills we are following:

• HB 4073: Modifies provisions relating to administrative law.  As with HB 2692 (2025), this bill creates burdensome and inefficient Administrative Rules Processes. LWVOR 2025 testimony. Public Hearing Feb. 10. The League signed on to a letter in opposition to the bill. 

• HB 4019: Requires certain agencies to base approval or denial of an application for a new permit on the rules and standards that are applicable at the time that the agency determines the application is complete.

• HB 4020: Requires certain agencies to specify the authority justifying the denial of a permit application and provide the applicant a guide on how to contest the denial.  Public hearing 2/03 -1 amendment  was discussed and staff summary provided. LWVOR provided Comments. Work Session Feb. 12. Bill passed the Committee but was sent to Ways and Means due to potential fiscal concerns.  The League appreciates recognition of agency costs to implement the bill.  The -1 amendment was adopted. 

• HB 4021:  Requires certain agencies to make adoption, amendment or repeal of administrative rules effective only on January 1, April 1, July 1 or October 1. Public Hearing Feb. 10. -2 amendment Work Session Feb. 17.  The League’s concern is related to the need for rules to be adopted and implemented in a timely manner.  If this bill passes, we will monitor that issue.  The bill passed the Committee with the amendment, passed the House floor Feb. 20 and moves to the Senate Rules Committee. 

• HB 4084 A: Establishes the Joint Permitting Council. The bill creates a fast-track permitting process for major projects, expand economic “enterprise zones,” and invest $40 million in industrial land site readiness to promote manufacturing.  The Governor’s testimony on the bill at the Feb. 4^th Public Hearing. A -1 amendment was adopted.  The bill passed the House Committee On Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade.  Staff Measure Summary. The bill moved to House Revenue where an A -5 amendment will be considered.  Public Hearing Feb. 16. The League does support the request for monies to help with site readiness while having concerns about the accelerated permitting.  Both Wilsonville and Eugene provided testimony in support of such an allocation in the Feb. 13 hearing on SB 5702.   Work Session Feb. 19.   A -14 amendment was adopted and the bill moved to Ways and Means.  Rep. Reschke provided a number of amendments addressing a variety of issues, but he did not move them for consideration. Rep. Marsh shared that the Governor will be having conversations related to the role of data centers in Oregon and potential policies to be considered for further discussion in 2027. Rep. Smith’s comments on the effect of fast tracking permitting on school districts and others was a concern and he noted the $40 million in General Fund was a “drop in the bucket” regarding site readiness AND that money means less available for other needs this session.     

• SB 1586: Modifies the tax credit allowed for semiconductor research. Creates and amends certain programs offering tax breaks related to advanced manufacturing, enterprise zones and regionally significant industrial sites. Directs certain state agencies to establish deadlines within which the agency intends to process applications for permits and make the deadlines available to the public. Directs certain state agencies to publish a catalog of permits issued by the agency within 60 days after the effective date of the Act. This Oregonlive article provides a great review of the bill.  The League OPPOSES. Public Hearing Feb. 16. -4 amendment was posted on Feb. 16.  Public Hearing Feb. 18. Another Public Hearing Feb. 23.   See the meeting materials posted in the Analysis section of the bill’s Overview for more information.  We continue to expect further amendments.    

LAND USE & HOUSING

Peggy Lynch

Bills we are watching: 

• HB 4035: Expands eligibility for cities and Metro to amend their urban growth boundaries under a temporary program. Authorizes the Land Conservation and Development Commission to issue grants to implement the commission’s duties. The bill was filed after a Work Group conversation to consider reducing the sideboards from SB 1537 (2024) to expand UGBs. Presentation by Rep. Marsh. LWVOR engaged in SB 1537 and Work Group members have reached out during this process.  Besides tightening up the use of exclusive farm land, we are concerned by the recommendation to expand the amount of acreage in HB 4035.  -1 amendment. Public Hearing Feb. 5. Work Session Feb. 12. -3 amendment was adopted and the bill passed the committee to the House floor where it passed on Feb. 18 and is headed to the Senate Housing and Development where there is a Public Hearing and Possible Work Session Feb. 24. 

• HB 4082: Adds to a temporary UGB addition program an option for each city or Metro to also add to its urban growth boundary a site for manufactured dwelling parks, or for housing for older persons, that is affordable for households with incomes not more than 120 percent of area median income. Public Hearing Feb. 3. Work Session Feb.  10 where -2 amendment  was adopted.  This Oregonlive article explains the conversation around this bill.  The League has stayed silent, seeing both sides of the discussion.  IF the bill passes, we will monitor its effectiveness as cities consider implementation. Feb. 17:  Bill passed the House.  Headed to the Senate Housing and Development. where there is a Public Hearing and Possible Work Session Feb. 24.

• SB 1586: Modifies the tax credit allowed for semiconductor research. Creates and amends certain programs offering tax breaks related to advanced manufacturing, enterprise zones and regionally significant industrial sites. Adds rural reserves in Washington County to Metro to be used for high technology and advanced manufacturing purposes. See more on this omnibus bill in the Revenue Legislative Report. The League has major concerns about sections of this bill. Oregonlive article provides a great review of the bill.  The League submitted strong testimony in opposition.  Public Hearing Feb. 16. -4 amendment was posted on Feb. 16. Public Hearing Feb. 18. Another Public Hearing Feb. 23.  See the meeting materials posted in the Analysis section of the bill’s Overview for more information and look for possible additional amendments.      

• HB 4108: Requires a city to annex noncontiguous land upon receipt of a petition from all owners of the land that satisfies four eligibility criteria. Public Hearing held Feb. 3. Work Session Feb. 12.  The League supports the concept of this bill as good planning with the -1 amendment. A -2 amendment was adopted limiting this policy as a “pilot project” for the City of Eugene.  We are disappointed that the bill was narrowed, but glad to see some movement on this important land use issue. The bill passed the House on Feb. 18 and heads to the Senate Housing and Development for a Public Hearing and Possible Work Session on Feb. 26 where a -A 4 amendment will be considered. 

The 2025-27 Policy Agenda 2025-27 Policy Agenda was approved by LCDC on Oct. 24.  There will be seven rulemakings on Housing alone, including: Housing Rulemaking for HB 2138 and HB 2258 (2025) and  (Rulemaking to clarify and allow housing and other needed development outside of wetlands. The rulemaking would create an optional, alternative compliance pathway for wetlands resources when a city is preparing to annex lands from the urban growth boundary (UGB) to accommodate needed housing and economic development.  See their Rulemaking page for more info on all the rules work being done by this agency.  

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

OREGON DEPT. OF FISH AND WILDLIFE (ODFW)

Melanie Moon

HB 4134  is a bipartisan bill that would increase the state tax from 1.5% to 2.75% for transient visitors to Oregon including camping, hotels and vacation rentals. This 1.25% increase has the potential to raise tens of millions of dollars urgently needed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to protect hundreds of imperiled species and the habitat that supports them. As an added benefit, this investment in wildlife and habitat would help protect clean drinking water and provide protection from drought and wildfires. LWVOR signed on to a letter in support. High Country News provides an article on this bill. Public Hearing Feb. 4. The Oregon Capital Chronicle also covered this bill.  Work Session Feb. 16 in House Revenue. -1 amendment adopted and the bill moves to the House floor with 6-1 vote with a vote potentially on Feb. 23.   

RECYCLING

HB 4144 A: 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. Public Hearing Feb. 2. Work Session Feb. 12 where the bill was amended and unanimously voted to move to Ways and Means due to the fiscal impact statement. Work Session in Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee Feb. 23. 

The League has supported the  Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act and it has been upheld by judicial action.  The federal district court of Oregon dismissed multiple claims against the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality last Friday in a lawsuit challenging the state’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. The act remains in effect. The two remaining claims in the lawsuit will be decided in a trial in July. 

The court issued a narrow injunction that temporarily pauses DEQ enforcement of the act against producers who are members of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. Under the Recycling Modernization Act, producers of packaging materials are required to pay fees to help cover the cost of those materials to Oregon’s recycling system, and fund improvements to modernize and expand recycling opportunities for Oregonians. These fees are collected by a non-profit producer responsibility organization charged with implementing the act under DEQ’s oversight. However, businesses have concerns per this OPB article. Jefferson Public Radio reports on the start of this important program. 

REGIONAL SOLUTIONS

The Regional Solutions Program: Within each of the 11 Regions, which are tied to Oregon’s federally designated Economic Development Districts, a Governor-appointed Advisory Committee sets Regional Priorities and a cross-functional Team of state agency staff works together to move projects forward. To receive their reports, use this signup page.  The public is welcome to attend virtually or in person.  Go to the program website and to the region to find the agendas and meeting materials posted a few days before the meetings.  Public Comment is usually scheduled.   Upcoming Regional Solutions Advisory Committee (RSAC) Meetings: 

Regional Solutions:   

• Greater Eastern (Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, and Wheeler Counties) March 10th from 2:00-4:00pm

• Mid-Valley (Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties) March 12th from 1:30-3:30pm

• Northeast (Baker, Union, and Wallowa Counties) March 13th from 2:00-4:00pm

• Southern (Jackson and Josephine Counties) March 25th from 12:00-2:00pm

• South Valley/Mid-Coast (Benton, Lane, Lincoln, and Linn Counties) March 26th from 1:00-3:00pm

TRANSPORTATION (ODOT)

Bills we are watching:  

• SB 1599: Moves the election date for the parts of chapter 1, Oregon Laws 2025 (special session), referred to the people by Referendum Petition 2026-302, to the primary election held on May 19, 2026. Bill was assigned to the new Joint Special Committee On Referendum Petition 2026-302. Public Hearing Feb. 9. Work Session Feb. 12. -2 amendment adopted and bill passed the committee on a party line vote.  Headed first to the Senate floor and then House chamber. The bill must pass both and be signed by the Governor by Feb. 25 to make the ballot. The minority party intends to use all means, including court action, to get this to the ballot in November instead of the May primary.  On Feb. 18, the bill was set for a vote on the Senate floor but the Senate Republicans chose not to appear so a quorum was not present and the Senate gaveled out for the day. Oregon lawmakers need a two-thirds majority of members present to deliberate and act on bills. In the Oregon Senate that means it needs at least 20 members present. The House needs 40 representatives out of 60 to be present. On Feb. 20 the bill was carried over to Feb. 23.  Because of the need to have the bill signed by Feb. 25, it is likely that this bill is dead and the referendum will be on the Nov. ballot. But we will continue to monitor.   

• SB 1542: Measure What We Drive: Performance-based scoring system to allocate road project funding, to include safety, climate and emissions. Annual Report Card. (Senate Transportation Committee) Informational meeting held Feb. 2.  Public Hearing and Work Session set for Feb. 16. -2 amendment posted. Bill died in committee. 

• SB 1543: Guardrails for Good Governance: Adopt a transportation debt management policy with better transparency. Broaden representation on the Oregon Transportation Commission. (Senate Transportation Committee) Informational meeting held Feb. 2.  Public Hearing and Work Session set for Feb. 16. Both a -3 amendment and a -5 amendment have been posted. Bill died in committee. 

• HB 4126: Get the Data for a Better Road User Charge (RUC): Require ODOT to report the total biennial cost of maintenance and preservation for the state’s road system, and to report the total mileage driven. This data could later be used to calculate the RUC. Public Hearing and Work Session set for Feb. 16.   -2 amendment was adopted and the Committee moved the bill to Ways and Means. Fiscal Impact Statement 

• HB 4008: Transit Funding Task Force To determine the level of funding needed to maintain adequate transit service statewide and explore funding mechanisms to achieve that funding.

• (House Transportation Committee) The League supports. Public Hearing and Work Session Feb. 16 -5 amendment adopted 5/2 and bill was sent to Ways and Means.  Fiscal Impact Statement:  if the work required by this task force, or if the cumulative enactment of other legislation with interim committees and task forces exceeds Legislative Fiscal Office expenditure levels beyond those assumed in the 2025-27 budget, additional General Fund resources may be required.

A press release from ODOT on Jan. 14 reports:  Impacts of Funding Gap Isn’t Addressed. In the upcoming short session, legislators will be looking at a $297 million funding target to support ODOT’s operations beyond June 30, 2027. Without new resources for the current budget cycle, the agency estimates it would need to reduce its workforce by more than 1,000 positions, including eliminating 570 vacant positions and laying off approximately 470 current employees.  KATU reminds Oregonians of the need for road maintenance.    

OPB reports on the Feb. 10^th  ODOT presentation to the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Transportation and Economic Development. Move Oregon Forward, a coalition of progressive groups, has offered a “cheat sheet” to legislators that includes options that weren’t included in ODOT’s proposal on Tuesday.  The Oregon Capital Chronicle followed up with an article on Feb. 12.  

From Rep. Gomberg’s Feb. 16 newsletter:  

The first two options presented reduced spending by eliminating vacant positions or further reducing the workforce.

 Tier 1: $70 million

No layoffs

Losing 138 positions means permanent loss of institutional knowledge, expertise, and service staff.

• Project delays

• Fewer customer service reps at DMV

• Contract execution delays

• IT project and security risks

• Less reporting and oversight responsiveness

  
  

Tier 2: $70 million

71 layoffs

• Eliminating 279 vacancies. In addition to the 138 lost in Tier 1 and laying off 71 employees means state-wide service reductions

• Less plowing, sanding, de-icing

• Unplanned DMV office closures: longer wait times at field offices, on phones, and for transaction processing

• Extended incident response time

• Delayed project delivery, increased costs.

A second set of options included reductions in programs that support local improvements:

• Safe Routes to Schools helps fund sidewalks, bike paths, and crosswalks near schools.It has awarded $110 million to 132 projects using HB 2017 dedicated funds.

• Connect Oregon invests in our ports, rail lines, and small airports.Since 2005, Connect Oregon has awarded $512 million to 240 projects. HB 2017 shifted funding away from lottery funds and created vehicle privilege tax

  • Rail siding

  • Dock improvements

• The Transportation Operating Fund supports passenger rail like AMTRAK, senior and disabled transportation, EV charging stations, and community paths. Funding source: Nonrefunded gas tax used in off-road equipment such as lawnmowers. Annual revenue: $20 million. Funds qualified usage:

  • Senior and disabled transportation

  • Non-State Highway Fund eligible programs in DMV such as REAL ID and Motor Voter

  • Household Goods Movers Program

  • Passenger Rail, Rail Safety, Federal grant matching for Passenger Rail

  • EV Community Charging Program

  • Innovative Mobility Program

  • Community Paths Program

A third set of options considers the delay of work on planned bridge repairs and highway projects. That might include work in Portland in the Rose Quarter or Abernethy Bridge, the Center Street Bridge in Salem, or dozens of rural and coastal bridges deemed less safe or seismically vulnerable.

From ODOT press release: Learn more about our capital improvement plan for state and federally funded projects by visiting the draft 2027-2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, also known as the STIP, online open house. The online open house will be available through March 20. We may use your comments to make adjustments as we begin designing projects in the STIP. All comments will be included in the public comment record. This record will go to the Oregon Transportation Commission before they approve the final STIP in June.

WATER

Peggy Lynch

Bills of concern: HB 4006: Authorizes holders of certain Columbia River water rights to change the point of diversion or use the water right on land to which the right is not appurtenant, provided certain conditions are met. Public Hearing Feb. 9. Work Session Feb. 16.  The League has concerns. The bill died in committee, but it is expected that interested parties will have conversations before 2027.

HB 4049: Directs the Water Resources Commission to encourage and approve voluntary agreements between ground water users in the Greater Harney Valley Groundwater Area of Concern to achieve reasonably stable ground water levels. -3 amendments posted.  Public Hearing Feb. 4. Work Session Feb. 16. The League understands that Rep. Owens and the Governor’s Office are in negotiations.  It is unclear if this bill is really needed to address the representative’s concerns.  The -3 amendments were adopted and the bill was moved to Ways and Means. 

League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor, a map that is updated every Thursday. Governor Kotek has declared a drought in eight counties (map).  Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. 

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. The League was concerned about the number of times during bill hearings on drinking water systems that  potential algae blooms were mentioned.  Our continuing warming water is not only bad for fish but for us humans! 

WEATHER

Scientists are issuing a Dire Warning about lack of snowpack per this Oregonlive article:   According to state climatologist Larry O’Neill, January was the fifth warmest and fifth driest on record across Oregon.  Oregon depends on our natural water reservoirs—our mountain snowpack—for summer water.  We may all wish for more rain this spring and summer!  

WETLANDS

Peggy Lynch

The next meeting of the Wetlands Rulemaking RAC, originally planned for February 23, 2026) will be postponed until later in the spring. Please stay tuned for a new meeting date after the close of the 2026 legislative session.  DLCD’s rulemaking webpage.

WILDFIRE

Carolyn Mayers

The League continued to follow the progress of several wildfire-related bills.

• SB 1541, the Climate Superfund bill which would provide, among other things, funding toward wildfire mitigation and disaster recovery, was sent to the floor, after adopting the -2 amendment, with a do pass recommendation and referral to Ways and Means by prior reference. The vote was split along party lines, 3-2.

• SB 1551, after adopting the -1 amendment, sending it to the floor with a do-pass recommendation with a unanimous vote. This bill would invalidate deed restrictions and planned community governing documents prohibiting the removal of non-fire-hardened building materials or installation of fire-hardened building materials on residential properties. Feb. 19: Passed the Senate and headed to the House Housing Committee for a Public Hearing on Feb. 24 and Possible Work Session Feb. 26. 

  
  

SB 1540 endeavors to align insurance company wildfire risk assessment with homeowner and community level mitigation efforts in an attempt to help address the rising cost of homeowners insurance. The Public Hearing covered the similarity of this bill with a bill recently passed by the Colorado legislature and one before the Washington legislature. It became apparent there was still work to be done to get all the involved parties to where they could support the bill. A Work Session was held by the same committee on February 12, where those differences seemed to have been at least partially worked out, but with hesitation still expressed by some in the insurance industry. Agreement was reached that the bill could be worked further in the Rules Committee, a path that was arrived at after much discussion and a brief recess. In spite of some committee members’ apparent uneasiness with the process, the bill was advanced, after adopting the -4 amendment, with a do pass recommendation and a request for a referral to Rules. Being sent to Rules keeps the bill alive for now but also means that the policy is not ripe OR there are not the votes to move the bill on the Senate floor.  We’ll watch to see if the bill gets another hearing.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed.  We particularly need help tracking legislation concerning 

•Air Quality (Dept. of Environmental Quality)

•Columbia River Gorge Commission

•Hanford Cleanup

•Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

•Parks and Recreation Dept.

•Recycling/Materials Management (Dept. of Environmental Quality)

•Toxic Control

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