Please see Natural Resources Overview here.

Jump to a topic:

• Air Quality

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• Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD)

• Water

• Wetlands

• Wildfire 

AIR QUALITY

SB 726 requires the owner or operator of a municipal solid waste landfill to conduct surface emissions monitoring and report data as specified in the Act. LWVOR supports. The public hearing on this bill was held Feb. 24 in the Senate Committee On Energy and Environment. We wait to see if it will get a work session. 

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

AGRICULTURE

By Sandra Bishop

The following Senate bills had public hearings in the Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire on March 6: SB 78 – Replacement dwelling bill and SB 77 – home occupation reform bill which the League supports. And SB 788, a bill that would exempt some Eastern Oregon counties from certain land use laws, which we opposed. LWVOR testified in support of SB 77 and SB 78, and in opposition to SB 788. 

LWVOR will watch and may support SB 73 – Spot zoning reform; and SB 79 – which prohibits certain dwellings on resource lands  with our strong positions on protection of Oregon’s valuable agricultural lands. Also, we are watching HB 3158 relating to photovoltaic solar power generation facilities on lands zoned for exclusive farm use. Allows certain photovoltaic solar power generation facilities on lands zoned for exclusive farm use to operate alongside farm or allowed nonfarm uses on a tract. LWVOR is watching this one before taking a position.

The League was invited to participate in a panel at the Board of Agriculture related to the 2025 legislative session.  We were unable to attend, but sent a copy of our 2025 Priorities with a short note of thanks for the invitation and acknowledging the League’s support of agriculture—Oregon’s most stable industry.  

BUDGETS/REVENUE

By Peggy Lynch

On March 7, the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Capital Construction held public hearings and work sessions on five bills to rebalance the 2023-25 budget.  OPB published an article to explain: If approved, the proposed spending would reduce the money lawmakers have left at the end of the 2023-25 budget by $425.6 million.

The state’s top budget writers, state Rep. Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland, and state Sen. Kate Lieber, D-Portland, said much of the spending was already accounted for in a revenue forecast delivered last week. That forecast suggested lawmakers can count on $350 million more than previously expected as they build the next two-year budget. Senate President Rob Wagner provided a press release with a list of the major additional funding proposed.  Expect the Full Ways and Means to take action on March 14 and then the bills go to the respective chambers for a vote where they should pass and be sent to the Governor for her signature.  The legislature will then focus on the 2025-27 budgets.  

The Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Capital Construction will next meet on March 21st when they will receive a report from the State Treasurer, including the 2025 bonding capacity, and from the Dept. of Administrative Services (DAS) on behalf of the Governor.  

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

• Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 tentative 3rd week of March; 

• Dept. of Agriculture Fees:  SB 5503 tentative 3rd week of March;  

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

• DEQ:  SB 5520. Governor’s budget DEQ Fact Sheet tentative info mtgs. April 7-9, public hearing April 10

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

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

• Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife:  HB 5009, tentative public hearings Mar. 31 & Apr. 1-2; 

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

• Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: HB 5010 Public hearing Feb. 5-6; Meeting materials  LWVOR testimony Aggregate industry testified against the staffing and fee increases.  LWVOR points out that KPM #4, mine inspections has consistently NOT met the small 20% target so, if staffing is needed to meet that target AND fees increased to pay for them, we will continue to support. LWVOR supports  SB 836.     

• 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   

• Land Use Board of Appeals:  SB 5529 Public hearing Feb. 27 LWVOR testimony. SB 817 is a bill to request a minor fee increase (Work Session held Mar. 4 in Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire where it passed unanimously)  

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

• **Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.:  HB 5026  info hearings March 3-4, public hearing March 5. Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony. OPRD will need additional revenue sources for the 2027-29 biennium. 

• Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 tentative hearings March 17-18, public hearing on March 19.

• 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  and HB 2803. 

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

• Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 6-Year Limitation: HB 5040 (Limits expenditures of lottery funds from the Watershed Conservation Grant Fund for local grant expenditures by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for a six-year period beginning July 1, 2025.) Info mtg. &Public hearing Feb. 25-26 

• Oregon Business Development Dept.: HB 5024

• Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management: SB 5517  

• Office of the Governor: SB 5523 

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

• Dept. of Transportation:  SB 5541 info hearing 3/03-6, public hearing 3/11

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

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

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

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

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

•  Six-Year Limitation/Bonds: SB 5506 (Limits for the six-year period beginning July 1, 2025, payment of expenses from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by various state agencies for capital construction.)

CLIMATE

By Claudia Keith and Team

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

COASTAL

A public hearing was held on March 4 for the Eelgrass Action Bill (HB 3580), a bill for kelp and eel grass conservation.  The League signed on to a letter in support. Also heard was a bill to protect Rocky Habitat (HB 3587).  Here is a one-pager: Rocky Habitat Stewardship Bill (HB 3587). The League also signed on to a letter in support. We asked for funding for a staffer in the Dept. of Land Development and Conservation budget to continue to address rocky habitat, an element of the Territorial Sea Plan which the League has supported as elements were added and updated over the years.  

A bill League is following is SB 504 related to shoreline stabilization.  Our coastal partners have been working with the sponsor and a -4 amendment  has been filed that focuses on “non-structural nature-based solutions” instead of “bioengineering”. A work session was held.  The -4 amendment was adopted unanimously on Feb. 25 in the Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire and the bill has been sent to Ways and Means.  

DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) 

By Peggy Lynch

The League supports SB 830, a bill that modifies provisions of the on-site septic system loan program to allow for grants. It also allows for the program to consider mobile home parks in need of septic upgrades. A work session was held on Feb. 25 in the Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire where it passed unanimously. Passed the full Senate March 6.

The League has signed on to a letter in opposition to HB 2642 which would privatize emissions testing. . Emissions testing in Oregon began in the mid-1970s as a method of reducing air pollution from trucks and cars in order to ensure compliance with the landmark federal Clean Air Act of 1970.  A public hearing was held on Feb. 18 in the Joint Committee On Transportation.

Here is the Onsite Wastewater Management Program 2025 Rulemaking webpage.  Because of the League’s work on SB 391 (2021) and additional bills in 2023, a League member served on the rules advisory committee to address sewer availability and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) issues. On Feb. 26 the advisory committee approved the Fiscal Impact Statement. A public comment period is expected in May. You are welcome to  Sign up for email updates about this rulemaking via  GovDelivery.

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

DEPT. OF  GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI)

By Joan Fryxell

On March 6th  the Technical Review Team (TRT) met on the Calico Resources proposed Grassy Mountain gold mine near Vale in Malheur County. The TRT discussed Best Available Practicable and Necessary Technology (BAPNT). Information will be available online.

The League provided testimony in support of 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.  

DEPT. OF  STATE LANDS (DSL)

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

ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF)

The Dept. of State Lands is seeking comments on the proposed Elliott State Research Forest Operations Plan.  Click here to view or download the proposed plan, project overview map, and appendices. Click here to view only the proposed plan (PDF) The 45-day comment period is open until 5 p.m. on March 31. Here is a more complete notice of the plan with opportunities for virtual public meetings.    

EMERGENCY SERVICES

By Rebecca Gladstone

The League spoke and filed testimony on HB 2581 in support of a statute change, substituting the word “seismic” with “hazards”, to coordinate coverage efforts through the State Resiliency Officer. The bill has passed the House. The Senate Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs held a public hearing on March 6th and now has a work session scheduled March 18th.

FORESTRY (ODF)

By Josie Koehne

The newest member to the 7-member Board of Forestry joined the Board for the first time at their March 5th meeting. Alexi Lovechio, of Ashland is Forests and Ecosystem Services Program Manager with Ecotrust, has a background in forest and climate policy, and has worked previously on botany surveys for the USDA Forest Service. Ben Deumling and Heath Curtis will continue to serve on the Board for 4 more years.

The March 5th Board meeting focused primarily on internal governance issues, including the role of the chair, each member's top priorities for future Board discussions, a proposal for adding a rotating vice chair, edits to Board Policies Manual, and a presentation on the Dept of Forestry's Demographics and Workforce Trends. The Board has made progress on increasing women and DEI representation in ODF employment, but more work needs to be done since the agency staff are approximately 75% white male. 

The Board discussed sending a letter to the Legislature supporting full funding for the Private Forest Accord. Since one member declined to sign on and the letter would therefore not be unanimous, the letter will not be sent. 

The Legislature has charged the Board with developing rulemaking for tethered logging. There was an excellent presentation on the scientific research on tethered logging for protecting soils and improving logger safety. Private timber companies have been using and improving equipment and practices for many years now, and are very happy with its use for logging steep slopes.

SB 1051 assigned to the Senate Rules Committee was discussed at length. The bill transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor. The bill states that the State Forester or Deputy State Forester must be "a practical forester familiar with western conditions and experienced in organization for the prevention of forest fire." Most members oppose this bill on the grounds that the long-term appointment of the State Forester should not be subject to changes in the Governorship or subject to political influence. All agreed that a strong natural resources background should be a requirement in selecting a State Forester. The Board has already developed their list of desired attributes to guide them in the selection process. 

HB 3103, a bill that would direct the State Forester to establish “sustainable” harvest levels for harvesting timber on state forestland and develop a timber inventory model to inform sustainable harvest levels while ignoring the court affirmed “greatest permanent value” was heard on March 3rd in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. The League  OPPOSED.

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

GOVERNANCE

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

Because the League is often engaged in rulemaking, we regularly comment on legislation that would affect changes in Oregon’s current Administrative Rules.  We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692, a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures.  On Feb. 19, the Governor provided expectations and guidance for state agencies related to rulemaking and customer service.  Upon outreach to the Governor’s Office, the League has been invited to participate in a series of discussions of rulemaking processes and committee membership selection.

LAND USE & HOUSING

By Peggy Lynch

The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invite comments on a draft of the 2025 update to the Oregon Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP). The Plan is now available for comment through March 20; Webinars: Tuesday, March 11 and Friday, March 14. 

Business Oregon’s Infrastructure bill, HB 3031, with a -1 amendment to clarity the criteria to be used to access the proposed $100 million fund had a public hearing on Feb. 26 in the House Committee On Housing and Homelessness.  Although there are a few issues yet to resolve, the League supports this important funding bill. LWVOR testimony. Governor’s news release.  

Bills we are following: 

• HB 2138: Expands allowable middle housing and expands middle housing requirements to include urban unincorporated lands, filed at the request of the Governor.  A public hearing was held on March 3rd in House Committee On Housing and Homelessness where a -1 amendment is posted as a “gut and stuff” for the bill.  The Governor testified in support of the bill, but received concerns about the provision to allow for easier demolition of historic buildings and has stated that such a provision will be removed in the next amendment.  Also not included was a provision that the League had objected to that would have exempted courtyards from cottage cluster development.  At this time, the League is not planning to testify on this bill.  

• HB 3145:  Allows the Housing and Community Services Department to use Local Innovation and Fast Track Housing Program Fund moneys for factory-built housing. LWVOR should support.  Public hearing is set for March 10.

• HB 2950 A bill to update Goal One and Public Participation is being sponsored by Oregon’s American Planning Association. The League is interested in the bill, but has some concerns.  We understand there will be an amendment proffered. A public hearing was held Feb. 12th in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. Because of the requirement to do rulemaking, the bill, if passed by the Committee, will be sent to Ways and Means.

• HB 3013: Details the process by which a permit or zone change that is based on provisions of a comprehensive plan or land use regulation that fail to gain acknowledgment is voided and any resulting improvements or uses are removed or revoked. LWVOR supports  with -1 amendment. A public hearing was held Feb. 3rd.

• HB 2316: Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. These lands are currently a variety of state-owned lands scattered around the state. A public hearing was held Feb. 10.

• HB 2400:  Allows the owner of property outside an urban growth boundary to site an additional dwelling on the property for occupancy by a relative of the owner. A public hearing was held Feb. 10.

• HB 2422:  Requires that lands zoned to allow density of one or fewer dwellings per acre to be considered a rural use. A public hearing was held Feb. 10.

• HB 3062:  Requires local governments to map sensitive uses as part of a comprehensive plan. A public hearing was held Feb. 20th.

• SB 462: Requires the Oregon Business Development Department to establish an education course for land use planners for local governments, special districts and state agencies.  LWVOR supports educational efforts but there are other training opportunities so this proposal might be redundant.  A public hearing was held on Feb. 19 in the Senate Committee On Housing and Development.

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

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

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

OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT (OPRD)

The OPRD budget (HB 5026)  was heard March 3-5.  The League provided testimony in part to address comments by the Legislative Fiscal Office notes regarding concerns for the long-term sustainability of OPRD’s operational funding. The Department asserted that the largest known challenge for the 2025-27 biennium is addressing the gap between projected operational revenues and anticipated expenditures. Throughout this biennium as well as the next, OPRD’s operational budget is dependent on an existing beginning balance. This means the current level of expenditures, given projected revenues, is unsustainable for the long-term. While the dedicated programs remain sustainable, operational expenditures are outpacing Lottery Funds and non-dedicated Other Funds revenues used to support agency operations.

WATER

By Peggy Lynch

The League continues to follow the concerns of residents of the Lower Umatilla basin.  Here is the latest article from the Oregon Capitol Chronicle. 

We have received notice of the tentative public hearing dates for select water bills in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water: 

• 3/10: Voluntary Agreements on Groundwater (HB 3801)

• 3/10: Harney Basin Groundwater Management (HB 3800)

• 3/12: Deschutes Basin Water Bank Authority (HB 3806)

• 3/12: Water Right Process Improvements (HB 3342)

• 3/12: Contested Case Process Improvements (HB 3544)

• 3/17: LCIS Natural Resources Capacity (HB 3531)

• 3/19: Place-Based Water Planning (HB 3116) League supports.

• 3/19: Chewaucan Basin Collaborative (HB 3114)

• 3/19: Certified Water Right Examiners (HB 3502)

• 3/24: Water Conservation, Efficiency, and Partial Forfeiture Protection (TBD)

• 3/31: Water Right, Dam Safety, and Well Related Fees (HB 2803, HB 2808) League supports. Needed to provide current service level staffing at WRD.

• 4/2: Water Rights and Public Interest (HB 3501)

Other water bills we are following: 

• HB 3525 is related to tenants’ right to well water testing.  The League submitted  testimony in support. 

• HB 3526 would require well water test reporting in property sales. The League supported this concept in past sessions and did again this session. A public hearing was held Feb. 17.   

• HB 3364  makes changes to the grants programs at the Water Resources Dept.  Testimony provided comments and concerns with agreement that all parties would continue to work on finding agreement on an amendment.   A public hearing was held Feb. 19.

• HB 3419  is the major broad set of water policy changes that is now described by the various amendments posted since this is really a “gut and stuff” bill!  The committee Co-Chairs announced that more amendments are expected. Per Rep. Owens: the -2 and -3 amendments on HB 3419 will NOT move.

• HB 2988:  Instructs the Water Resources Department to take certain actions related to aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery. A public hearing was held Feb. 12th.

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

• HB 3573, a bill that addresses funding for a variety of water measurement strategies.  The League supports.

In 2024 the Water Caucus requested research support from the Legislative Policy Research Office (LPRO) to better understand the groundwater management policies of different agencies in Oregon. The Report on Groundwater Management is now available. 

Supreme Court weakens Clean Water Act:  In an article from the Guardian: The US supreme court has weakened rules on the discharge of raw sewage into water supplies in a 5-4 ruling that undermines the 1972 Clean Water Act. The CWA is the principal law governing pollution control and water quality of the nation’s waterways. The court ruled on Tuesday that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cannot employ generic, water body-focused pollution discharge limits to Clean Water Act permit holders, and must provide specific limitations to pollution permittees. The ruling is a win for San Francisco, which challenged nonspecific, or “narrative,” wastewater permits that the EPA issues to protect the quality of surface water sources like rivers and streams relied upon for drinking water.

A work session was held on Mar. 3rd on HB 3341 in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. It appropriates $5 million to the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for the Community Drinking Water Enhancement and Protection Fund.  The League supported the establishment of this fund in past years.  The bill passed and was referred to Ways and Means.  

LWV Deschutes County submitted a  letter in support of SB 427, a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows.

HB 3106 is the Oregon Water Data Portal funding bill for which the League provided testimony in support.  The Oregon Water Data Portal debuted Jan. 31st. The multi-agency effort to release a beta version of the pilot portal for the Oregon Water Data Portal project debuted on January 31. The pilot portal is accessible at https://www.oregonwaterdata.org/.  Users can provide feedback about the beta version of the pilot portal by completing a survey or emailing OWDP@deq.oregon.gov. A public hearing was held on Feb. 26th in House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water where a -1 amendment was shared that would create an entire multi-agency system for gathering the water data needed for good decision making.  The League has yet to determine if this new proposal is good for Oregon. See the following Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board presentation and the Internet of Water Coalition presentation.  The League has not weighed in on the amendment. 

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

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

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. House Bill 3314, sponsored by state Reps. Rob Nosse and Mark Gamba, would direct about $1 million to Oregon State University to finish designing a channel that would cut through Ross Island. See coverage here.

WETLANDS

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

WILDFIRE

By Carolyn Mayers

In the wake of a tumultuous year for the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Governor Kotek recently announced she was seeking the authority to choose the next State Forester, who had previously been chosen by the Board of Forestry. Kotek has proposed Senate Bill 1051, which was sponsored by Sen. Kayse Jama, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Rules. More details may be found in this OPB article. 

The wildfire related work this week began with a March 4th Public Hearing on SB 82 -1, before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire. This bill makes changes to a grant process which funds the Oregon Conservation Corps and their training. It requires the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) which handles the process to consult with the Department of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), to ensure different aspects of the wildfire mitigation work they perform meet the goals of those agencies. Later that same day, the House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans held a Public Hearing on HB 3077, a bill which would allow local government employees to volunteer for up to 30 days in a year to serve as volunteers in wildland fire suppression in emergency situations.

The League monitored a meeting of the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Public Safety on March 5th,  and the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Natural Resources on March 6, where the long-awaited report of the Wildfire Funding Workgroup was heard. The Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Fire Marshal were tasked by the legislature through Senate Bill 5701 (2024) to convene this workgroup to identify solutions for sustainable wildfire mitigation and suppression funding to address the growing wildfire crisis, and this was a report on that work. Presenting were Travis Medema, Deputy Chief Fire Marshal for OSFM; Kyle Williams, Deputy Director of Fire Operations for ODF; and Doug Grafe, Wildfire and Military Advisor to Governor Kotek. They detailed the foundational shared principles that grounded the work of the workgroup, singing the praises of the collaborative teamwork of the group and staff support over the summer during an extremely challenging wildfire season, and outlined the 6 Alternative Funding Strategies the group arrived at. More details may be found here. Kyle Williams stated that the “floor” for the investment needed is likely north of $300 million. We expect to see legislation on one or more of the six alternatives as well as other legislative proposals before the end of session.  

Also, on March 5, the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment held a Work Session on HB 3666 which would require an electric public utility to apply for a wildfire safety certification, and allow a consumer-owned utility to apply for a wildfire safety certification. It was passed without recommendation as to passage and referred to Judiciary. This article from the Oregon Capital Chronicle gives more detail on the objections of some to the bill, worrying that it would relieve electric utilities of responsibility for wildfire damages. Next was a Public Hearing before Senate Judiciary on SB 926 would prohibit the recovery of certain costs and expenses from customers that an electric company incurs as a result of allegations of a wildfire resulting from the negligence or fault on the part of the electric company.

Finally, on March 6th, the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment held a Public Hearing on HB 3172. This bill directs OSFM to establish a grant program to facilitate the retrofitting of dwellings and accessory structures (aka home hardening), to reduce vulnerability to wildfire. 

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, Governance, and Social Policy report sections.