Please see Natural Resources Overview here.

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• Wildfire 

AGRICULTURE

Proposed rules for the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area:

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is accepting public comments on proposed rules for the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area. Written comments are due by December 22, 2025, and will be considered before final rules are adopted. Details on how to comment are provided below.

December 15, 2025​ - In Person and Virtual Options: 5:30-7:00 pm

• ​An informational hearing starts at 5:30pm and will be followed by a public comment hearing, both in person and virtually.

• In person: SAGE Center, 101 Olson Rd NE, Boardman, OR 97301

• Hearing link, ID: 274 507 130 739 0, Passcode: wD7nb9dM

• Meeting call-in number: +1 503-446-4951,,167483367#

December 16, 2025 - Virtual Only: 5:30-6:30 pm

• Hearing link, ID: 282 286 813 697 7, Passcode: cS6jM2Ga

• Meeting call-in number: +1 503-446-4951,,540814150#​

Mail: ODA, 635 Capitol Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301

Email: rulemaking@oda.oregon.gov​​, Subject line: LUBGWMA Rules Online: https://oda.direct/rulemaking

BUDGETS/REVENUE

Peggy Lynch

Here’s the 2025-27 Budget Summary prepared by the Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO).  Even a summary is 139 pages long!  It describes the budget process and the end-of-session budget numbers.  There are also explanations on, what for laypersons, are the mysteries of budget terms. Among those terms is an explanation and statistics on Fiscal Impact Statements. The report notes that fiscal impacts are affected by the volume of bills considered:  “In total, there were 3,466 measures introduced during the 2025 session, which is 496 more than the 2023 session and 689 more than the average of the five previous long legislative sessions. There were 3,271 amendments drafted for those bills, which is 5.5% less than the average of the five previous long legislative sessions. Of the introduced measures, 702, or 20.3%, were voted out by the House and Senate”.

The reader should note that, since the budgets were passed, the Governor and Legislative Leadership have asked agencies to cut back on spending, to provide potential cuts lists of up to 5% per agency per revenue source (General Fund, Lottery Fund, Other Funds) and to provide a list of any new programs that were approved since 2021—all due to reduced revenue forecasts, federal legislation and actions. See the Revenue Section of the Legislative Report for details.

Please note that again only 3% of the state resources are allocated to the 14 Natural Resource agencies.  Although we expect to see some cuts in the 2026 session, unless the Feb. forecast continues down, we are hopeful that most of the cuts discussed will not be taken.  LWVOR is working with the Oregon Conservation Network and others to advocate for these agencies’ work.  They address public health and safety for all Oregonians. Here are the meeting materials submitted to LFO by the 14 natural resource agencies.   

House Speaker Fahey provided a comprehensive list of federal action/potential cuts to Oregon services.  The Oregon Capital Chronicle followed up with their Budget Cuts article. 

Cuts discussed during Legislative Days included potential closure of a state prison, loss of up to 51 Oregon State Police, a 7% increase in university tuition, 10% increase in community college tuition, reduction in Medicaid recipients, etc.  ALL state agencies were asked to provide these cuts lists.  K-12 schools receive the most revenue in our state budget so the proposed cuts would mean $560 million to the State School Fund.  (See other legislative reports for details.) Although many of the cuts may not be accepted due to a better-than-expected revenue forecast, the longer-term revenue expectations may mean greater cuts than we would all like.  Working in the natural resource world which is just 3% of the state’s budget, each cut reduces the ability for Oregon to protect our air, land and water. 

See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report for in depth information.  We encourage you to read ALL sections. 

CLIMATE

Claudia Keith and Team

Governor Kotek signed Executive Order 25-26 on Oct. 23 to prioritize and increase the pace and scale of adoption of climate resilient strategies into existing state programs to deliver benefits for communities and ecosystems. The League is excited to see the Governor instructing state natural and working lands agencies on the value of wetlands and other important ecosystems for which we have advocated over many years.  FAQ 

OBP reports that Oregon again misses our greenhouse goals.  

Today (Nov. 19), Governor Tina Kotek signed Executive Order 25-29 to increase the pace and scale of Oregon’s response to reducing carbon pollution while strengthening grid reliability and energy affordability. The Executive Order targets transportation and building emissions, strengthens grid reliability and energy affordability.

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

The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) heard a presentation on Rocky Habitat Management on Oct. 23^rd. Rocky Habitat makes up 40% of Oregon’s coast.  The League has supported this work and has a comprehensive position on coastal issues. See p. 132, Issues for Action.

The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) is opening a Public Access Rulemaking  to clarify how local governments will address protection of public access to Oregon beaches. 

King Tides return  at the Oregon Coast:   December 4 to 6, and January 1 to 4, 2026. They are the highest high tides of the year.

The Blob returns  to the Pacific Ocean per a story by KLCC: A massive heat wave is hitting the Pacific Ocean from Kamchatka to California. Water temperatures several degrees above normal span thousands of miles, though they have mostly stopped short of the Pacific Northwest coast. Cool water welling up from the depths is thought to be keeping surface temperatures near the Oregon and Washington coasts closer to normal. So far, this year’s Blob has mostly spared the Pacific Northwest.

“It certainly pales in comparison to the really intense event that we had in 2014 into 2016,”  according to University of Washington Climatologist, Nick Bond. 

That long-lasting blob of warm water harmed salmon and shellfish, fueled toxic algae blooms, and killed seabirds by the millions from 2014 to 2016.

On Oct. 14, the State Land Board heard a number of presentations on programs involving the Oregon coast.  See page 45 of the meeting packet on the Oregon Ocean Science Trust (OOST), a program the League supported in both creation and funding. There continues to be a partnership with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and OSU helping to keep the Sea Grant program going. California’s Ocean Science Trust received a $10 million endowment a number of years ago.  Oregon is part of a West Coast Ocean Science Action Agenda.  Our ocean acidification issue is almost twice that of the global rate.  Treasurer Steiner requested more information on marine carbon at a subsequent meeting. The link with the Ocean Policy Advisory Council was shared—OOST focuses on science, OPAC does policy. 

See page 59 of the packet for the annual report on the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve.  League members are active with Friends of the South Slough, and the League is a constant supporter of this first-in-the-nation estuarine reserve.  The invasive green crabs have become so prevalent that OSU researchers and others are looking to find a market (such as chicken feed) in order to reduce them in the area. The Reserve is doing long time research (some 30 years old) so it is important to keep the Reserve solvent.  

See page 74 of the packet for a report on the Southern Resident Orca Endangered Species Management Plan.  The Dept. of State Lands has an important role in assuring wetlands and streams are safe breeding grounds for chinook salmon, the main food source for these special orcas.    

Oregon Ocean Science Trust website.  Contact: Linda.Safina-Massey@dsl.oregon.gov

The Dept. of Land Conservation and Development has a website on offshore wind with public meetings continuing. 

DRINKING WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DWAC)

Sandra U. Bishop

The League has a standing seat on DWAC.  Interactive Geographic Information System Maps for water system and source water protection have been improved. These maps are available to the public as well as water system operators and are maintained by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s   Drinking Water Protection group and may be accessed via the Drinking Water Services website.

DWAC met October 15th.  Lab sampling protocols were clarified. A question came up about lab sample reporting. It was clarified that Public Water System (PWS) operators know the purpose of a water sample when submitted and are to mark it correctly. There is a process for correcting mistakes in reporting if needed. The labs do not change sample type after testing; labs do not change Routine samples to Special samples. Mandatory reporting requirements do not apply to Special samples.    

No lead has been reported in Oregon public water systems. The Service Line Inventory mainly geared toward checking for lead in public water systems is wrapping up. So far 97.3% of systems have submitted an inventory.

Deep drawdown operations are planned at Green Peter and Lookout Point. Much better communication is expected this year between Drinking Water Services staff and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In previous years drawdowns resulted in disruptively high turbidity at local Public Water Systems.

 To better assist the smallest drinking water systems in Oregon the responsibility for technical assistance, alerts and regulatory compliance help is being transferred from counties and given to the state.

 Extensive rulemaking is wrapping up. These are mainly technical changes and corrections. Written comments must be submitted by November 30. During December, comments will be reviewed. Once approved the rules will be effective January 1, 2026.

 Ideas for future meetings other than technical subjects include emergency response such as to wildfire and cyber-attacks, education on fraudulent backflow devices sold on Amazon, water system consolidation options, and possible funding sources for source water protection and very small water systems.

The next DWAC meeting is January 21.

ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF)

The Board had a 3-day retreat on Nov.  12-14.

FEDERAL LANDS

Sen. Broadman’s proposed 2026 legislative concept meant to protect Oregon’s Public Lands:  Oregon’s public lands are central to our economy, our outdoor recreation, and our way of life. This bill would prevent state agencies from taking part in any federal effort to sell or transfer national forests, parks, or recreation areas to private interests. The goal is to keep these lands accessible and protected for the communities that depend on them.

FORESTRY (ODF)

Josie Koehne

ODF is reviewing obligations under the Governor’s Executive Order 25-26 related to climate resilience.  

Public comment period on the proposed rule-making for the Western Oregon Management Plan (FMP) opened on Nov. 1 and will close at midnight on Jan.31st. “The mission of the Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan (FMP) and Implementation Plans (IP) project is to implement the social, economic and environmental values required of state forests. The comment period will include written comments as well as comments collected from Rule-making hearings to be held on Jan. 13 (virtual), Jan.15 (Forest Grove), Jan. 20 (Tillamook), and Jan. 22 (Eugene) at 5:30 p.m.

The proposed change to this rule will replace the three current FMPs (Northwest Oregon, Southwest Oregon, and Elliott) with a single FMP for these forest lands. The State Forests Division is pursuing an alternative method for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by applying for incidental take permits from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Fisheries. The incidental take permits will require the division to manage Oregon state forest lands in compliance with a habitat conservation plan.

After careful review of the rule-making, the LWVOR will be providing comments.

The State Forester recruitment was reopened Oct. 13 as the Governor would like a range of 8-10 candidates from which to choose.  She hopes to have a selection for Senate confirmation during the February legislation session.

The Oregon Dept. of Forestry will be asking for additional fire funding in 2026. Details TBD.  

HANFORD

The Department of Energy appears to have enough money for four weeks of operations during the federal government shutdown, according to state officials at the Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board’s virtual meeting Tuesday. Since little information about the shutdown specific to Hanford has been released to the public by the Department of Energy, officials at the meeting discussed what they had heard or surmised about the nuclear site. After the cleanup board meeting, DOE said in a statement that its “Hanford site is not currently experiencing a lapse in funding and continues to operate in a normal capacity, with staff reporting to work and carrying out the Hanford mission safely.”  This according to an Oct. 8^th article in the Tri-City Herald News.   

LAND USE & HOUSING

Peggy Lynch

On Oct. 24, the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC)  approved Housing Rulemaking for HB 2138 and HB 2258 (2025): 

LCDC Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Rulemaking  staff report and presentation:  Rules are expected to be adopted during the Dec.4-5 LCDC mtg. as they are statutorily due by Jan. 1, 2026, completing a multi-year effort to reset Oregon’s Goal 10, Housing, responsibilities and each local government’s role as well. These rules are among the most significant changes in Goal 10, Housing, and Goal 14, Urbanization since the program’s inception.  

LCDC Oct. 24: Approved 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. 

The 2025-27 Policy Agenda 2025-27 Policy Agenda was approved by LCDC on Oct. 24.  There will be seven rulemakings on Housing alone!   In response to public feedback, additional clarification on Farm and Forest Modernization Program work plan sequencing has been added to the 2025-2027 Policy Agenda.  In response to staff feedback, the Community Green Infrastructure report has been added to the 2025-2027 Policy Agenda. 

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

NATURAL HAZARDS

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD announce that the 2025-30 Oregon Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP) has received approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This plan supports ongoing efforts to reduce natural hazard risks across the state. The NHMP outlines strategies to reduce long-term risks from natural hazards such as wildfires, earthquakes, floods, drought, and landslides.

OREGON DEPT. OF FISH AND WILDLIFE (ODFW)

Melanie Moon

Why we don’t want quagga mussels in Oregon and why we support the Aquatic Invasives program per this OPB article. 

A new state transient lodging tax (TLT), HB 2977, was introduced in 2025 to ensure regular and robust funding for wildlife conservation programs. The bill passed the House floor, but did not make it out of the Senate. The League expects the bill to return in 2026 where we will consider supporting it. 

OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPT (OPRD)

Peggy Lynch

OPRD fee increases to help w/$14 million shortfall:  A public comment period will take place Dec. 1 to Jan. 15. OPRD is proposing a series of changes that could increase camping fees, change cancellation fees and allow for “dynamic pricing.” Collectively, they're known as the Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy.T he changes would need approval from the OPRD Commission. If approved, these changes could be implemented as early as March of 2026. (per Statesman Journal) 

In 2024, the agency approved increased parking and camping fees for the first time in nearly a decade. That increase went into effect in 2025. It was intended to cover a previous shortfall of roughly $15 million, due largely to losing 13% of its Oregon Lottery funding, which was diverted to city, county and special park districts. 

OREGON WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT BOARD (OWEB)

The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board held a board meeting on October 28-29. The meeting agenda and materials are available on OWEB’s website. 

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. If you know anyone who may benefit from these publications, please direct them to 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:  

*Central (Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties) December 2nd from 3:30-5:00pm

*South Coast (Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties) December 3rd from 11:00am-1:00pm

*North Central (Hood River, Sherman and Wasco Counties) December 3rd from 2:00-4:00pm

SMITH RIVER

Alyssa Babin

The League again supported federal legislation to expand the Smith River Recreation Area.  The North Fork of the Smith River has scenic, historic and recreational values.  We have supported this effort in the past with approval from LWVUS.   

STATE LAND BOARD

Peggy Lynch

The next State Land Board is Dec. 3^rd (agenda and meeting materials).  The League follows these meetings since the Governor, Secretary of State and State Treasurer comprise the Board membership. 

TRANSPORTATION

HB 3991, passed on Sept. 29, increases a number of transportation taxes and fees and applies audit requirements to ODOT. It expands the OReGO road usage charge program and repeals the Oregon Transportation Commission toll program. ODOT would receive 50% of the funding, while counties would receive 30% and cities 20%. There is an estimate that the cost to Oregonians would be about $2/month. 

The Governor signed HB 3991 on Nov. 7.   Sen. Starr and Rep. Diehl and others have since gathered signatures under NoTaxOR.com to place the bill on the ballot for Oregonians to consider. The League will follow this effort since it could stop the needed ODOT funding provided in HB 3991.

LWVOR asks that you “Think before you Ink” when any volunteers ask for your signature to get an item on the ballot.  “Bills passed by Oregon lawmakers can be referred to voters if organizers collect enough valid signatures within 90 days of the Legislature adjourning. This year, a referendum would require at least 78,115 signatures, equal to 4% of the people who cast a ballot in the 2022 gubernatorial election.”  The No Tax group says it has more than enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.  The Secretary of State shall review the signatures, but we expect to see the item on the November 2026 ballot. If approved for the ballot, the bill and the taxes to be collected will NOT be collected until the results of the election outcome. We could see an alternate ODOT funding discussion in the Feb. session.  

WATER

Peggy Lynch

The Willamette River is the life blood of much of western Oregon.  Do you want to learn more and have an opportunity to provide input in its future? Willamette River Symposium Dec. 2-3 @ OSU.  Sessions will touch upon several water-related topics, including the connection between land and water, urban and rural water challenges and opportunities, and the importance of water for people and biota. Check out this at-a-glance program overview for more information. Registration is currently open on the Conference Website. Cost $150 but it includes lunch.  

The Nov. 17 State water report: According to the US Drought Monitor, over 31% of Oregon is experiencing moderate drought (D1), just over 6% is experiencing severe drought (D2), and just under 1% is in extreme drought (D3). Over the last two weeks, D2, D3, and abnormally dry (D0) conditions have been reduced across the state. Snow water equivalent (SWE) in basins across the state is currently measuring well below the historical median (min = 9%; max = 32%).

The near-term climate outlook indicates probabilities leaning towards below normal temperatures statewide. The outlook also indicates probabilities leaning towards above normal precipitation for most of the state with western Oregon receiving near normal precipitation.

Look for a new version of SB 1153 to return in 2026 or 2027. LWV Deschutes County submitted a letter in support of SB 427, a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows. SB 1153, an alternate bill provided with help from the Governor’s office, had months of work group sessions among the various interests, but, in the end, the bill did not pass.  

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.

WEATHER

A Nov. 28 OregonLive article  provided the latest maps on Oregon’s winter weather. 

 In a USA Today article published in the Oct.12 Salem Statesman Journal: “La Niña has officially arrived, federal forecasters from the Climate Prediction Center announced Oct. 9.  La Niña conditions emerged in September 2025, as indicated by the expansion of below-average sea-surface temperatures across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean,” the prediction center said in a statement.  

A typical La Niña winter in the United States brings cold and snow to the Northwest and unusually dry conditions to most of the southern states, according to the Climate Prediction Center.”

In a KGW article:  La Niña and 'The Blob' could boost Oregon winter storms "The Blob," a marine heat wave, and La Niña may affect Oregon's winter weather and snow, though long-range climate forecasting is tricky.  

I think the Northwest will have a stormy winter with above-average mountain snowpack, and a good chance of valley snow. Long-range climate forecasting is tricky stuff, but I can't outweigh the Godzilla-like force of La Niña with a blob of warm water oozing around my feet. (Author:  Matt Zaffino, KGW Weatherman)

WETLANDS

Peggy Lynch

One of the most significant changes in federal rules being considered yet again relates to Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS).  On Nov. 18^th, the EPA announced new proposed rules for implementing the Waters of the U.S., reducing 55 million acres of currently assumed wetlands—that protect drinking water and provide flood protection as well as giving a home to a variety of flora and fauna.

Key proposed revisions include: 

• Defining key terms like “relatively permanent,” “continuous surface connection,” and “tributary” to appropriately delineate the scope of WOTUS consistent with the Clean Water Act and Supreme Court precedent; 

• Establishing that jurisdictional tributaries must connect to traditional navigable waters either directly or through other features that provide predictable and consistent flow; 

• Reaffirming that wetlands must be indistinguishable from jurisdictional waters through a continuous surface connection, which means that they must touch a jurisdictional water and hold surface water for a requisite duration year after year; 

• Strengthening state and tribal decision-making authority by providing clear regulatory guidelines while recognizing their expertise in local land and water resources; 

• Preserving and clarifying exclusions for certain ditches, prior converted cropland, and waste treatment systems; Adding a new exclusion for groundwater; and 

• Incorporating locally familiar terminology, such as "wet season," to help determine whether a water body qualifies as WOTUS; 

• In addition, the limitation to wetlands that have surface water at least during the wet season and abut a jurisdictional water will further limit the scope of permafrost wetlands that are considered to have a continuous surface connection under the proposed rule. These proposed changes are intended to provide clarity and consistency to the continuous surface connection definition. 

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LCDC on Oct. 24: Approved 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.

As a result of the 2025 legislative session, the Dept. of State Lands received additional staffing as did the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development.  The League supported these budget allocations.  

WILDFIRE

By Carolyn Mayers

The League observed a marked decrease in coverage and discussion around wildfire-related issues at committee meetings during the recent 2025 Legislative Days’ committee meetings compared to 2024. This is likely the result of what many perceive to be a less devastating fire season after all indications had suggested the 2025 season would be very difficult. On Oct. 17, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry announced the end of fire season, reporting that statewide to date, regardless of jurisdiction, there had been 2,965 fires that have burned 338,740 acres.

According to Kyle Williams, Deputy Director of Fire Operations at the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), “From a purely acres burned standpoint, it was significantly less bad than last year. From a community impact and primary residences lost standpoint, it’s actually significantly worse than last summer,” said Kyle Williams, Deputy Director of Fire Operations at the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). And humans caused most of this year’s fires.”(62%) Read more here in an article from the Oregon Capital Chronicle. Additionally, this Statesman Journal article also reports that while there were significantly less acreage burned (36% of the 10-year average), 64 homes and 141 other structures were lost to wildfires in Oregon during the 2025 season. It is notable that in spite of the fact that there were actually more fires in 2025 (118%) than 2024, ODF was able to keep 94% of the wildfires it responded to confined to 10 acres or less, a testament to a successful focus on “initial attack” and better coordination among agencies. 

Several issues dominated the discussion during November committee meetings. The House Interim Committee on Emergency Management and Veterans met November 17 and heard about those issues from the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and ODF. Their complete report on the fire season may be found here.  Among issues of concern were the very early start to the season, with the Rowena Fire taking off in early June. Close to 200 structures there were lost, including 56 residences. Travis Madema, the Chief Deputy Fire Marshal of the Department of the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) referred to the fact that a wildfire so early in the season was able to take off and do so much damage was “very concerning” and confirms the trend toward longer and more difficult wildfire seasons. He also emphasized that this year’s season saw many more fires starting both farther west in the state, and many more near communities, which obviously means worse effects on populated areas. Finally, the increase in percent of human-caused fires, and trend toward more lightning-caused fires are also troubling trends.

November 18 saw a meeting of the Senate Interim Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs that heard from OFSM and ODF. Following up on previous points about human- and lightning-caused fires, it was noted that there were 360 lightning-caused fires for a total of 4,796 acres burned, and 796 human-caused fires, with 19,992 acres burned. OSFM Chief Mariana Ruiz-Temple relayed the concern that while early in her career, a normal season would involve 2 - 3 urban conflagrations (with local agencies calling in OSFM to assist communities with wildfires involving structures, currently it is trending close to 8 conflagrations per year.

This article from Stateline highlights the dire state of homeowners’ insurance premiums in the state of California, and concerns about what that might mean for the future for Oregon in the face of increasing wildfire risks. The recommendations of the Governor’s Wildfire Programs Advisory Council outlined in their 2025 Report to the Legislature includes approaches to take proactive measures to avoid the same fate. This report is worth a read for those interested in all things wildfire and what are seen as priorities for funding by the Legislature in future sessions. 

Finally, of note, as reported by Willamette Week, Pacificorp will pay $150 million to 1,434 people in settlements for losses in the 2020 Labor Day fires. What this will mean for customers’ utility rates, or the ability of Pacific Power to sustain operations in this environment remains to be seen.

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