Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/23 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Forestry (ODF) Governance Land Use & Housing Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Recycling Regional Solutions Transportation Water Weather Wetlands Wildfire 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. I t 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.

Cybersecurity In Oregon We are working to defend democracy from escalating cyber-attacks and disinformation. Policy debates are determining the future of our democracy, the internet, and privacy. See our successful legislative advocacy for the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and emergency preparedness to protect critical infrastructures, including elections—the cornerstone of democracy. We are working to improve individuals’ cyber hygiene. LWVOR PRIVACY & CYBERSECURITY STUDY: Read our 2020 study for an overview, analysis and comprehensive references to contemporary technology, global policy development, the history of privacy, and our key findings. LWVOR Privacy and Cybersecurity POSITIONS were adopted in January 2020, in LWVOR Issues for Action, on p. 16 . U.S. state and national policymakers have joined the global debate over digital protection of personal information, mined for multi-billion dollar advertising revenues. Experts now characterize media manipulation as ‘information disorder.' The impact of artificial intelligence on MDM, mis-, dis, and mal- information deserves intense scrutiny going forward. Questions? Please email lwvor@lwvor.org . Many bills passed in final 2023 legislative session days after the 43-day Senate walkout. See our Sine Die Legislative Report for links to our testimony, including references to our work over several sessions and future ongoing effort; all reflect privacy and cybersecurity. Elections SCR 1 : Condemning Election violence. SB 166 : Election Worker Protections. HB 3073 : Candidate and Incumbent Data Privacy Protection. HB 2107 : Automatic Voter Registration expansion. HB 2585 : Oppose ending “Motor Voter” voter registration. HB 5035 : Software, Risk-Limiting Audits and Election Security in the SoS’s Budget. Cybersecurity HB 2049 : Establish the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. HB 2490 : Defend our cybersecurity plans from Public Disclosure. HB 2806 : update cybersecurity and privacy statute for critical infrastructures, etc. Privacy SB 619 : Protect Consumers’ Personal Data. HB 2052 : Data Broker Registry, First in the Nation. SB 5512 : the Judicial Department budget, for Citizen Participation and Access. HB 3201 : Broadband Assistance. Public Records HB 3111 : State Employees, Volunteers, and Retirees Information Privacy SB 510 : Public Records Advisory Budget. HB 5032 : Public Records Advocate funding. Questions? Please email lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 3/31 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley/Sharron Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Note: Education reports after January, 2024, are included in Social policy reports. Education reports prior to February, 2024, can be found HERE . Please see the Legislation Tracker for 2025 Social Policy bills . Jump to topic: After School and Summer Behavioral Health Education Gun Policy Housing Legislation Immigration Public Safety After School and Summer By Katie Riley The two bills we have been following that most closely align with funding for afterschool and summer programs look like they may be combined and will be focused instead on summer school (emphasis added), literacy, and accountability for that instruction. HB 3039 would appropriate moneys from the General Fund to the Department of Education and Requires the Department of Education to study methods for increasing the availability of summer and after-school academic and enrichment programs. HB 2007 would modify requirements for the summer learning program. Both bills have received amendments and HB 2007 has received a hearing and a second amendment that deleted the possibility of funding for for-profit providers. Although HB 2007 refers to “expanded learning” and community-based organizations (CBO’s), any funding would be directed to school districts and through them to CBO’s and there is no specific allocation to CBO’s for summer care. CBO’s are upset about the major focus on summer school and literacy. They support literacy but believe that learning takes place during non-school time as well and includes social emotional learning. In addition, attendance in afterschool programs has been proven to decrease absenteeism and increase academic achievement. Further, the task force established by the 2024 legislative session for HB 4082 recommended funding for after school programs and there is no provision for that specific funding in either bill. HB 2007 is now scheduled for an informational hearing in the Senate Committee on Education on March 31st and a work session on April 1st in the Joint Subcommittee on Education. HB 5047 is proposing $35 million for summer learning in 2025 plus $47 million for 2026 and 27. It will be discussed in the work session. A new bill ( HB 3941 ) was introduced last week to allocate $4,990,000 for a grant program to establish up to 5 community schools at $170,000 per year in matching funds. Community schools coordinate and integrate educational, developmental, family, health and other comprehensive services through community-based organizations and public and private partnerships to students, families, and community members during and after school hours, on weekends, and during the summer. A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for March 31st in the House Committee on Education and a work session is scheduled for April 2nd in the same committee. In an interesting twist, SB 1127 provides for grants to develop and provide educational activities during recess, lunch or after school for Title I elementary schools. It received a public hearing this past week. SB 896 which would provide funding for afterschool grant programs passed out of the Senate Committee on Education and has been sent to Ways and Means. Another bill ( HB 3162 ) to fund after school programs was introduced but never received a hearing so it is unlikely to be heard from again this session. On a positive note, the fact that more than one bill is concerned with after school care makes it more likely that the issue will receive attention from House and Senate leadership. Bills concerned with child care are also moving through the legislature. HB 2593 would direct the Department of Early Learning and Care to study the characteristics of the people who are on the ERDC waitlist (currently over 10,000) to determine the impact of being on the waitlist. The bill received a hearing this past week with no opposition. Other bills ( HB 3496 and HB 3560 ) concern establishing guidance to site child care facilities in local areas and expands areas where child care can be cited. Since these bills are focused on being able to provide child care in more rural areas that currently are zoned to prohibit this use, there are concerns about children being exposed to pesticides. Behavioral Health By Stephanie Aller and Patricia Garner A number of health care related bills have been heard in the Behavioral Health Committee which arose out of the Behavioral Health Transformation Workgroup convened by Senator Kate Lieber and Representative Bob Nosse. They have all been scheduled for Work Sessions and seek to address problems with services for high acuity patients, reduce administrative burdens and improve rates for behavioral health services. They are primarily appropriations bills but instead of appropriating a sum with limited requirements, they reach into the details or “nitty-gritty” of how treatment is provided. Support for the bills is nearly unanimous. They will be sent to the Joint Ways and Means Committee next. HB 2015 with -2 amendment addresses a number of regulatory barriers in building and operating secure residential treatment facilities (SRTF’s), residential treatment facilities (RTF’s) and residential treatment homes (RTH’s) in Oregon. The bill is detailed and far-reaching. On the surface it appears to be a bill setting up a study, but it directs OYA to find solutions for a number of these barriers. For example, Trillium Family Services is Oregon’s sole provider of a full continuum of mental health services for youth aged 5 – 24 and has a staff of 685 employees. According to current regulations such a facility must be licensed with and provide services and documentation as both a child caring agency and an adult residential treatment provider. This is time consuming and takes away from the provision of treatment. Another example relates to nurse staffing. These facilities are required to have one nurse on site at all times, and not just on-call, which is particularly challenging for non-urban settings. OYA also currently requires a facility to be fully licensed before it can accept patients rather than allowing admission after a certain point in the licensing process. Financial compensation for residential services is based on the acuity of an individual’s treatment, but when an individual has received an appropriate level of services, by definition the acuity decreases, and the facility is paid less. The bill seeks to group people in facilities by level of acuity. The House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care held a public hearing on HB 2059-2 (Behavioral Health Facilities). The League has submitted testimony in support of the bill. HB 2059- 2 would fund residential behavioral health facilities throughout the state by allocating $90 million from the General Fund for the 2025-2027 biennium. This allocation was included in Governor Kotek’s recommended budget. Several witnesses, including OHA and NAMI, detailed the critical shortage of beds in these facilities. Oregon’s sole state psychiatric hospital is occupied almost exclusively by individuals whom courts have deemed mentally incapable of being able to “aid and assist” in their defense of criminal charges, and even when they are ready to be released, there is a lack of residential treatment or step-down facilities that can take them. Because the hospital is full of these individuals, those in need of civil commitment or a hospital level of care are not able to receive it. A number of witnesses also referred to Oregon Advocacy Center v. Mink , a federal case in which the judge has ruled the state psychiatric hospital must accept within 7 days people found not able to “aid and assist” in their defense. Because Oregon is out of compliance with this order, it could be held in contempt and face significant fines. (See KGW8’s report on the recent hearing in the case - KGW8 Mink case ). HB 2059-Dash 2 also requires OYA to develop guidelines for distributing these funds, which must at least include the ability to quickly put funding to use – including the availability of service providers, the bed-to-cost ratio with priority being given to shovel-ready projects, geographic equity across the state, and local community input on projects that will serve the highest need. A work session for HB 2059 has been scheduled for April 3. HB 2024- 3 provides funding to increase Oregon’s behavioral health workforce. Twenty million dollars is allocated to the OHA to award grants to several classes of behavioral health care providers, including for example: providers that offer office-based medication-assisted treatment, certain Indian health programs, programs that offer behavioral health care and substance abuse rehabilitation services, and programs that provide outpatient behavioral health care for adults or youth of which at least 50% are uninsured or receiving Medicaid or Medicare. The grants can be used for educational scholarships, loan forgiveness, housing assistance, sign-on and retention bonuses, childcare subsidies, tuition assistance, stipends for supervisors of interns or graduate students and more. An additional $20 million is directed to OHA to develop and implement incentive payments which are designed to increase the wages of residential, out-patient, outreach and medically assisted treatment providers so they are competitive with for-profit and hospital providers. Finally, $5 million is allocated to the OHA for the purpose of establishing a “United We Heal Health Medicaid Payment Program” which is designed to enhance training, education and apprenticeship opportunities, as well as provide increased wages, health care benefits and workplace safety standards for residential treatment providers. HB 2202-1 identifies certain redundancies, contradictions and outdated language regarding services provided by coordinated care organizations. For example, in attempting to deal with parity of mental and physical health treatment, the bill prescribes that the OHA must require CCO’s to report on their document standards or requirements used for providing behavioral health, substance abuse, as well as for medical and surgical treatment and services. The standard for provision of CCO services must also “support an individual’s progress towards clinical goals, as defined by the individual’s service plan,” instead of the prior standard which was defined as “leading to a meaningful improvement in individuals’ lives.” Abuse reports are also authorized to be made electronically instead of only by telephone. Instead of using the term “emotional disturbances,” HB 2202-1 substitutes the more commonly used phrase “health or substance use disorders.” HB 2056 -1 appropriates $64,800,00 for community mental health programs. It comes in response to the 2024 legislative mandate to analyze costs these programs incur when providing crisis services, services to the “aid and assist” population and adults who meet the criteria for civil commitment. The intent of the allocation is to support early intervention instead of resorting to criminal or other last resort systems of care. This funding is also considered to be crucial in meeting Oregon’s Constitutional obligations to provide treatment which is currently under review in federal court. It is argued that if this funding is not provided, Oregon may be fined. The State of Washington was fined $100 million for a similar failure to provide treatment. Education By Jean Pierce Federal Actions affecting Higher Education in Oregon This week, the federal government reinstated 3 Income Driven Repayment plans for student loans, which had been cut a month ago: Pay As You Earn Income Contingent Repayment Plan Income-Based Repayment Plan According to the Attorney General’s office , “Most students in Oregon rely on student loans to help pay for their education. The average Oregon student loan borrower owes over $36,091 by the time they graduate. Combined, Oregonians have more than $18.9 billion dollars in student loan debt. “ Two resources are available to help students find answers to their questions about the changing policies: Since 2022, the state has a student loan ombudsperson Representative Bonamici’s office has created a webpage covering the basic questions about returning to loan repayment . Legislation we are tracking In addition to the bills for which we submitted testimony, LWVOR is tracking a couple of bills which saw action this week in the House Education Committee: The committee held a public hearing on March 24 for HB3004 , which directs the Youth Development Division to establish a statewide community violence prevention program. A work session is scheduled on March 31 for HB3037 , which creates a program designed to reduce the administrative burden on small districts applying for and reporting on grants. Gun Policy By Marge Easley A busy week turned even busier when four bills related to firearms ( SB 696 , SB 697 , SB 698 , and SB 429 ), originally slated for an April 2nd omnibus hearing in the Senate Judiciary, were suddenly folded into a fifth bill, SB 243 . SB 243 was heard on March 27 with over 80 people signed up to testify, despite only 24 hours notice. A work session is scheduled for April 3. The bill would make the following changes to Oregon’s gun laws: Mandate a 72-hour waiting period for the purchase of a firearm Require the completion of a background check before the transfer of a firearm Ban rapid-fire devices, such as bump stocks, that allow semi automatic guns to function like machine guns Raise the age to purchase military-style rifles from age 18 to 21 Expand the number of public spaces that can be designated as “gun-free zones” The League, along with other members of the Alliance for a Safe Oregon , supports these provisions. However, the expected strong pushback from the gun rights community is now underway, as reported by OPB. Stay tuned for an upcoming action alert prior to the Senate floor vote. An April 2nd work session in the House Judiciary on two additional gun bills. HB 3075 provides implementation details for Measure 114, while HB 3076 establishes a gun dealer licensing program. An ambiguous third bill, HB 3074 , has a hearing and work session on April 8, so it’s possible it will be the catchall for last-minute changes. On March 26, a US Supreme Court ruling provided some very good news for gun safety supporters around the country. By a 7-2 vote, justices upheld a Biden-era rule regulating “ghost guns,” untraceable firearms without serial numbers that are assembled from components or kits that can be obtained online. Oregon’s prohibition on ghost guns has been in effect since September 1, 2024. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona Predevelopment Loan Program: On March 19, the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness held a hearing on HB 2964 , which would give Oregon Housing and Community Services responsibility to administer a grant and loan program for predevelopment costs for new affordable housing for low-income households to rent or own. The department would also provide technical assistance to nonprofits who receive the funding. Eligible predevelopment costs include professional services; studies such as site feasibility; development fees, and community engagement. OHCS would integrate this program into its existing Predevelopment Loan Fund with monies from the General Fund. Properties would be developed with affordability restrictions to ensure that they remain affordable for people with lower incomes. Oregon's population growth has outpaced housing construction leading to a severe shortage of affordable properties. This bill will give our state’s lower income households an opportunity to live in stable, new and affordable housing. The League presented testimony in support of this bill. Individual Development Accounts: On March 26, the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness held a hearing on HB 2735-2 related to funding for Oregon’s Individual Development Account program. The program provides matching funds for lower income Oregonians saving to buy a home, further their education, start a small business, or engage in other efforts intended to meet their financial goals. The funds for the match come from a tax credit that has been capped at $7.5 million per year since 2009. The bill, if passed, would raise the cap to $16.5 million, avoiding the need to reduce the number of participants. The League submitted testimony in support. Rent Stabilization and Rent Setting Software: Also on March 26, the Senate Committee on Housing and Development held a public hearing on SB 722 to prohibit residential landlords from software and occupancy control, and would apply rent caps for younger properties. This proposal would help prevent displacement by prohibiting landlords of multifamily housing to use price-fixing AI software to inflate rents or occupancy rates. This unethical practice is the subject of national attention . Attorneys General in eight states, including Oregon, have joined the Justice Department in an antitrust suit to disallow this method of sharing and aligning non-public information to drive up rents. The bill also would reduce the current 15-year exemption for new construction from our statewide rent stabilization statute down to seven years. This change would provide reasonable rent stabilization protection for an additional 40,000 housing units and between 80,000 to 100,000 Oregonians. The League sent testimony in support. Affordable Housing Insurance Program: The Senate Committee on Housing and Development held a March 26 hearing on SB 829 , proposed by Governor Kotek to establish an Affordable Housing Insurance Program in the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). The program would provide financial assistance for eligible entities having difficulty covering the cost of their insurance premiums. DCBS would also study the feasibility of creating a state reinsurance program that would bring price stability to the multifamily housing insurance market. Of all the expenses multifamily housing providers pay, insurance premiums have increased at the highest rate during the 2010 to 2022 time frame as compared to other costs. This program seeks to address the challenges providers face maintaining financial stability as they work to meet the needs of the most vulnerable households. Immigration By Becky Gladstone and Claudia Keith HB 1191 , Senate Judiciary heard the “know your rights protection bill”, work session slated for April 2. League testimony supports SB 1191 which excludes the act of informing another person of their civil or constitutional rights from statute defining “commits the crime of obstructing governmental or judicial administration”. This is relevant as League voter service activities and advocacy issues are newly vulnerable to Executive Order classification as domestic terrorism if not aligned with recently changed federal preferences. The League will continue to support legislation for DEI, climate change, immigration, access for voter registration and election process information, protecting our natural resources, and more. SB 703 passed 4-2 on partisan lines from Senate Rules, for Dept of Human Services grants to nonprofit service providers to help noncitizens change their immigration status. League testimony in support. Upcoming & Watching SB 999 : Changing farmworker camps definitions. An April 3 public hearing is scheduled in Senate Labor, with possible work session on April 5. SB 939 A : We will be watching for upcoming action, relating to providing nonprofit organization security, passed unanimously from Senate Judiciary, addressing bias crimes. SB 1119 : April 1work session, to prohibit employers from engaging in unfair immigration-related practices. SB 1140 : April 1 public hearing, April 3 work session in Senate Labor, prohibits English-only workplace rules, some exceptions. Bill # Description Policy Committee Status Fiscal M$ Chief Sponsors+ Comments SB 149 Immigration Study SCJ WS 4/2 Y Sen Jama DHS SB 599A Immig status: discrimnation in RealEstate transactions H Judiciary Sen Campos SB 611 Food for All Oregonians - for undocumented SC HS - JWM Work Sess 4/1 Y Sen Campos Rep Ruiz SB 703 a bipartisan immigration status update funding bill JWM 6 Sen Reynolds, Rep Neron, Ruiz, Smith G Testimony HB 2548 Agricultural Workforce Labor Standards Board. HC LWPS WS 4/2 Rep Valderrama, Nelson , Munoz League Testimony HB 2976 funding for interpretation of indigenous languages. JWM JWM Rep Hartman HB2788 funding to nonprofits to assist w lawful permanent resident status / legal aid - HC ECHS - JWM dead Rep Neron, Ruiz, Sen Reynolds * likely end of session Reconcilation Bill HB 2586 nonresident tuition exemption for asylum seekers. Sen Ed Sen Ed RepHudson, SenCampos HB 2543 fundsfor universal representation and gives funds to Oregon State Bar for legal immigration matters HC Jud ? 15 Rep Valderrama, Sen Manning Jr, Rep Walters, Andersen, McLain, Sen Campos DAS - see sb 703 HB3193A Farm Worker Relief Fund JWM 10 Rep Marsh, SenPham, RepValderrama OHA HB 5002 Oregon Worker Relief Fund JCWM-GG ? 7 Das Public Safety By Karen Nibler The Public Defense Services Consortium has been in front of the Ways and Means Public Safety Committee recently. Since it has been reorganized, the presentations by the staff have been detailed with attorneys working under the new system giving their perspective. The new agency operates under the Executive Branch. The House Judiciary Committee listened to proposals for public defenders in County Circuit Court Districts. HB 3376 proposes an office of district defender in each county court. The Early Childhood and Human Services Committee heard testimony on HB 3835 which deals with restraint and seclusion practices within foster care placements and special education programs. The testimony was extensive and the bill will undoubtedly be amended. Look for new developments. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/16 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Elliott State Research Forest Forestry (ODF) Governance Land Use & Housing Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Recycling Regional Solutions State Land Board Transportation Water Weather Wetlands Wildfire Agriculture Sandra U. Bishop HB 4130 : Relating to farm use . As introduced this measure would clarify the meaning of preparing farm products and by-products. The bill introduces a newly defined term “farm unit” (all parcels used for farming whether owned or leased). Preparing products or by-products is defined as “… means but is not limited to cleaning, treating, cutting, sorting and packaging.” There is also a proposed language change regarding biofuel processing that would seem to open farmland for increased biofuel production. A public hearing was held 2/4 in the House Committee on Revenue. The intention was to make clear that land used for these types of activities in preparation of farm products would qualify for tax assessment based on farm use. During the hearing there was no mention of the proposed language changes for biofuel production. 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 session. Note the ”relating to” clause. The farm unit definition from this bill is included in HB 4153. HB 4153 : Relating to farm stores. This bill would replace farm stands with farm stores; allowing up to 10,000 square foot stores in permanent structures, selling retail items unrelated to farming in addition to farm products from an enlarged region including areas of adjacent states. The bill would allow a major expansion of agri-tourism based on vague, permission language such as allowing “… other seasonal or holiday events.” Implementation of statewide land use planning laws could be seriously weakened under proposed language stating that counties “…may adopt sitting standards for farm stores…” . A public hearing was held on 2/4 in the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. LWVOR opposed the measure including -1 and -2 amendments. More than 50 people signed up to testify and the hearing was held over to 2/9. The -1 amendment introduced before the public hearing would make the proposed bill more permissive such as allowing housing as part of agri-tourism. The -2 amendment would make minor changes from - 1 amendment. The -3 and -4 amendments seem to be vain attempts to address some of the myriad problems with the bill that have been pointed out. The - 4 amendment would appear to restrict the income from unrelated retail items to 25% of gross income for small farms with 10 acres or less in production, while not applying such restriction to larger agricultural operations. This is only one of the glaring inequities in the several competing amendments introduced to try to push this complex bill through in this short session. The -4 amendments were introduced eleven minutes before the public hearing on 2/9. The - 3 amendment was made public on 2/11 several days after the final public hearing. A work session is set for Feb 16 th . If this bill passes the House and moves to the Senate, the League will continue to oppose its passage. If passed with or without the amendments it would seriously undermine the statewide land use system. There is inadequate time for public comment and legislative deliberation on such far-reaching proposed changes in a short session. The League supports the sale of farm products at farm stands and maintaining agricultural land in Oregon primarily for agriculture use. The Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and Oregon Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) were asked to provide a memo to clarify that farm stands as used today are still allowed, but that new farm stores will need a permitting process. Here is the Staff Measure Summary with 4 amendments. It is unclear what members of the committee will do at the Work Session Feb. 16 in House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . The Oregon Capital Chronicle continues their reporting o n the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area) LUBGWMA. State agencies are increasing their monitoring and enforcement of state laws and rules. But a lot of work remains, according to the state’s first report on its progress. 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 will focus on the Dept. of Environmental Quality on Feb. 18. 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. Public hearing set for Feb. 4. -3 amendment Work Session Feb. 16. 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. 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. Others also opposed the bill, and the amendment may well also address their concerns as well. DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) Joan Fryxell DOGAMI provided an update on their carbon sequestration project with the Dept. of State Lands to the State Land Board. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) Peggy Lynch The new ESRF Manager and ANEW, a carbon market business, presented a report on the status of forest projects to the State Land Board. The Ways and Means Natural Resource Subcommittee received an update on the status of the forest as they work toward self-sufficiency. It may take another couple of years to receive timber harvest monies and carbon credit income. FORESTRY (ODF) Josie Koehne 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. Work Session Feb. 11 Bill was amended and passed unanimously. 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 to HB 4105. Work Session Feb. 16. SB 1590 A : Prohibits public bodies from assisting the federal government with privatization of certain federally-owned lands. Public Hearing Feb. 3. Work Session Feb. 13. Bill was amended and moved to the Senate floor on a 3 to2 party line vote. The Oregon Dept. of Forestry appeared before the Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee and gave a presentation on the Private Forest Accord. 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 4084 A : Establishes the Joint Permitting Council. The bill creates a fast-track permitting process for major projects, expands economic “enterprise zones,” and invests $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 A5 amendment will be considered. Public Hearing Feb. 16. The League does support the request for $40 million 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 . 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. 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. LAND USE & HOUSING Peggy Lynch Bills we are watching: SB 1564 : Adds specified lands to the City of Woodburn's urban growth boundary (UGB). Public hearing Feb. 10, Work Session Feb. 12. Bill died in committee but HB 4035 may allow Woodburn to use a process in that bill to consider a UGB expansion. SB 1522 : Was a “study” bill, but the -1 amendment focuses the bill on processes for designating urban reserves. SB 1522, -1 removes protections for farm and forest lands when designating urban reserves prior to expanding urban growth boundaries (UGBs ). Public Hearing held Feb. 12, but no Work Session is scheduled so the bill died in Committee. HB 4113 : Requires the Department of Land Conservation and Development to study housing development opportunities conditioned upon land conservation. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to land use no later than September 15, 2027. The bill relates to prior legislation (2009) around the Metolius. The Metolius was designated an Area of Critical State Concern and the developers were granted an opportunity to use Transfer of Development Rights for a limited period of time. That time has been extended a number of times but this is 17 years later! Public Hearing Feb. 10. -1 amendment The League was part of a Sign on letter in opposition to the bill. Bill died in committee. 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. 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. 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. 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. SB 1578 : Allows counties with a population density of less than 30 people per square mile to rezone up to 50 acres to be divided and developed for residential dwellings of at least five units per acre. The League has concerns related to parcellation of ag and forest lands and adding more private wells and septic systems in these rural areas. Public Hearing Feb. 10. Work Session Feb. 12. The bill was not going to get a Work Session, but Vice Chair Nash moved the bill in an unusual process. After much discussion, the motion failed and the bill died for the session. However, there was much discussion around the need to address rural Oregon housing needs. One point Sen. Nash made was that land not yet in the UGB was cheaper. But it also doesn’t have services/infrastructure which is part of the reason it is less expensive per acre. And many small towns use individual drinking water wells and septic tanks instead of larger community systems. As an aside, some small rural cities requested “capital” monies to build 20-50 houses in their small cities during the hearing on SB 5702 , Ways and Means Capital Construction on Feb. 13. 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 2025-27 Policy Agenda 2025-27 Policy Agenda was approved by the Land Conservation and Development Commission 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 & -3 amendment to be considered. 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 . 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 . 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: South Central (Klamath and Lake Counties) February 17th from 9:00am-11:00am 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 STATE LAND BOARD Peggy Lynch The State Land Board met Feb. 10. The agenda and meeting materials are available. Additional meeting materials were added. The meeting can be viewed on their YouTube Channel . TRANSPORTATION (ODOT) Bills we are watching: SB 1599 : Moves the election date for 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. 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. 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. 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. A -1 amendment and a -2 amendment have been posted. 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 Possible Work Session Feb. 16 -5 amendment -2 amendment posted. 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 eliminating570 vacant positions and laying off approximately 470 current employees. KATU reminds Oregonians of the need for road maintenance. OPB reported 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 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. 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 Water Committee for LWV Deschutes County provided comments to a recent rulemaking, encouraging better linkages between land use and water. LWVOR has supported that concept for a very long time and we appreciate their voice on this important issue. 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 at how often potential algae blooms were mentioned. Our continuing warming water is not only bad for fish but 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 SB 1584 : Directs the Department of State Lands, in consultation with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, to develop a salmon credit pilot program to encourage the voluntary restoration of salmonid habitat in the Coquille and Coos watershed basins. The League has opposed similar bills in the past, including SB 511 (2025). We provided testimony again in opposition. Public Hearing Feb. 3. NO Work Session was scheduled by Feb. 9 th deadline. Bill is dead. WILDFIRE Carolyn Mayers “Speed legislating” was front and center this past week of the 2026 short session as legislators try to get their bills out of committee before the February 16 deadline. The League continued to follow the progress of several wildfire-related bills. On February 10, the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire held Work Sessions and a Public Hearing on 3 of those bills. The meeting agenda, with all details, may be found here . First, 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. Next the committee advanced 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. The last bill, SB 1540 , which 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, was heard. This 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 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. 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.

Positions of the League of Women Voters of Oregon. / Studies / LWVOR Positions / Position Index LWVOR Policy and Position Statements Governance Campaign Finance Re form LWVOR uses the LWVUS position on campaign finance reform as the basis for legislative and statewide action. Members adopted the position in 1973 following a study initiated by the 1972 Convention. The League supports measures to “improve methods of financing political campaigns in order to ensure the public’s right to know, combat corruption and undue influence, enable candidates to compete more equitably for public office and promote citizen participation in the political process.” Citizen Participation and Access “The League of Women Voters believes democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings, and making public records accessible.” LWVUS Principles “We must promote an open governmental system that is representative, accountable and responsive.” LWVUS Representative Government position Citizen participation and access are also important parts of LWVOR positions on Land Use and the Judicial System, and LWVUS positions on Campaign Finance, Citizens Right to Know/ Citizen Participation, Environmental Protection and Pollution Control, Natural Resources Public Participation, United Nations, and International Relations Trade Policy. Because of these scattered positions, we collect here our combined history of advocacy for Citizen Participation and Access. Civil Discourse “Promote civil discourse through action and education for all government bodies, staff, and citizens for the purpose of improved public policy decisions and processes. Civil discourse means, at a minimum, mutually respectful, courteous, constructive, and orderly communication.” Constitutional Provisions - Adopted 1963; Revised 1980 The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that the Oregon Constitution should be a basic framework of state government, free of obsolete material and statutory detail. It should guarantee basic democratic rights to the people of the state by: Providing a bill of rights; Reserving initiative and referendum powers to the people. The Oregon Constitution should provide for a legislative assembly that is: Apportioned on a population basis, under a system that provides flexibility, adequate safeguards and enforcement procedures ensuring reapportionment after every federal census; Adequately salaried with the amount of salary specified by statute; Permitted to meet in annual sessions. The executive branch should be strengthened by provisions: Fixing authority and responsibility in the office of governor. The governor should be given the power to reorganize the administrative functions of the state government subject to legislative review and possible veto; Limiting the number of departments; Granting the power to appoint department heads to the governor with the consent of the Senate; For an item veto and an executive budget; Setting salaries by statute; Allowing no constitutional impairment of the state civil service system. Administrative – Post Audits (concurrence, 1980) Post audits of state and local governments should be conducted in an apolitical manner. The office performing post audit should function independently of the Legislature and the executive department. The office should be given appropriate enforcement tools. The Oregon Constitution should provide for a judicial system uniform in organization and administration with: Full time, legally trained judges paid by the state; Rule-making power vested in the Supreme Court; Mandatory retirement of judges; Judicial appointments that are made by the governor from a slate presented by a judicial nominating committee. The Oregon Constitution should provide for effective local government (1943, 1963) by: Allowing city and county home rule; Reserving to the Legislature authority to provide for local government flexibility to meet future needs. Revision of the constitution in the future should be permitted by use of the constitutional convention, initiative amendment, or legislative amendment. Statutes, constitutional amendments, and administrative decisions that implement these positions may be supported by the League. Individual Liberties The League’s Position: Statement of Position on Individual Liberties, as Announced by National Board, March 1982: The League of Women Voters of the United States believes in the individual liberties guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States. The League is convinced that individual rights now protected by the Constitution should not be weakened or abridged. Privacy and Cybersecurity - Adopted: January 2021 ; Amended January 2021 Cybersecurity is the prevention of damage to, protection of, and restoration of computers, electronic communications systems, electronic communications services, wire communication, and electronic communication, including information contained therein, to ensure its availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and nonrepudiation. This position statement addresses Elections, Information Security, Personal Information Protection, and Electronic Business and Social Media. Elections Security The election process is the foundation of our representative form of government. Election integrity, accuracy, transparency, and trustworthiness require vigilance to ensure security protections. Security requirements include and are not limited to: verifiable ballots; ballots that can be recounted and audited; up-to-date hardware and software, supported by vendors, tested, and secure; protected voter registration databases; election staff/volunteers with cybersecurity expertise; cyber-damage contingency plans; risk-limiting audits; attention to disinformation and misleading ads. Protect voters’ ability to exercise an informed opinion on electoral matters. Explore limiting the unfettered electronic circulation and amplification of election misinformation (e.g., targeted disinformation campaigns, manipulated media, anonymous disinformation, and algorithmic and robotic disinformation campaigns). Information Security Government, individuals, and organizations (including the private sector and critical infrastructure), all require strong cybersecurity protections and effective deterrents to assure national security, economic and social stability, and personal information integrity. Create consistent information privacy laws and regulations across all organizations (government, private, for-profit, and non-profit) that eliminate gaps, inconsistencies, and overlaps. Regulate all technology-enabled organizations (e.g., internet platforms, online intermediaries, business-to-consumer platforms), not shifting sectors, so that organizations are subject to a uniform set of laws and regulations. Regulate all categories of information in the same way, regardless of the type of organization or sector that collects that information. Apply a baseline set of regulations to all types of information, regardless of the type of organization or sector collecting that information. Apply regulatory requirements to organizations according to their size and complexity, the nature of data covered, and the risk posed by exposing private information. All information (including third-party data transfers) needs sufficiently flexible protections to address emerging technologies and scientific evidence while serving the common good by balancing the demands of stakeholders and vested interests. The ubiquitous information and communication technologies (ICT) of today’s pervasive digital services, platforms, and marketplaces require a global governance perspective to address their societal and economic impacts: Harmonize laws and regulations across jurisdictions to protect individuals and assure the trustworthy flow of information across all boundaries—government, organizations, industry sectors, states, and countries. Aim to develop flexible regulatory structures that can quickly adapt to social and scientific realities and technical and economic policy challenges. Use forward-looking, collaborative mechanisms such as experimentation and learning, test-and-evolve, and post-doc effectiveness reviews. Incentivize specific outcomes that facilitate anticipating and adapting to rapid changes. State laws that become inconsistent with future comprehensive federal privacy standards may be preempted, while more stringent laws may remain. At a minimum, citizens' information protection rights should be comparable to those of citizens around the world—both current and future protections that may be established. Current European Council personal information protections include the ability to: be informed of what personal information is held and why access information held by an entity request updating or correcting of information request manual processing in lieu of automated or algorithmic processing request transfer of information to another entity withdraw prior consent to process data or object to specific situation consent request deleting personal information. Personal Information Protection Uniform privacy rights need to protect personal privacy and prevent known harm. Establish uniform information protections for personal and behavioral data that can be linked to an individual or devices. Prevent harmful uses of personal information by all information processors who collect, store, analyze, transfer, sell, etc. Expand the legal definition of “harm” to include physical, monetary, reputational, intangible, future, or other substantial injuries and to provide individuals the right to legal remedy. Assure that personal information collection, use, transfer, and disclosure for economic or societal purposes is consistent with the purpose for which individuals provide their data, and does not cause them harm. Shift the focus of information protection from individual self-management when submitting data (e.g., opt-in, obscure notice, and choice disclosures) to organizational stewardship in protecting individuals’ personal privacy. Expand personal information privacy definition to address rapidly changing information and communication technologies, accelerated networking between businesses, and automated collection and dissemination of data, which together subvert personally identifiable information, de-identification, re-identification, and data anonymization. Electronic Business and Social Media: Cybersecurity Responsibilities Organizations conducting electronic business and social media commercializing personal information both bear the responsibility for protecting information and must be liable for failure to protect individuals from harm. All organizations--including third-party receivers: Must protect individuals’ transferred information across multiple organizations to ensure end-use accountability. Have a duty to safely collect, use, and share personal, sensitive information. Should use comprehensive information risk assessments, take proactive measures to implement information security measures, and be held accountable for fulfilling these risk management obligations. Are held accountable for misuse of personal information by strengthening both state and federal laws, rule-making, and enforcement powers. We support the right of free speech for all. The digital tools of information and communication technology (such as algorithms and artificial intelligence) can selectively distort or amplify user-generated content. The resulting disinformation, digital manipulation, false claims, and/or privacy violations may endanger society or harm others. Compel private internet communication platforms (applications, social media, websites, etc.) to be responsible for moderating content. Define liability for damages and provide for enforcement for failure to moderate content. Economic Development Revenue Bonds - Adopted April 1983 The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports the authority to issue Economic Development Revenue Bonds by the state, ports, and cities with more than 300,000 population. In issuing Economic Development Revenue Bonds, top priority should be given to those projects which diversify the economy and/or create jobs. However, consideration should also be given to assisting economically depressed areas and attracting industries to locate in Oregon. A possible unfair competition that might result from bond issuance should be examined at the local level. In addition to the Economic Development Revenue Bond program, the League of Women Voters of Oregon supports other state and local economic stimulants such as upgrading education at all levels and exploring various types of financing methods. Election Laws - Adopted 1987; Revised 1997 The League of Women Voters of Oregon recognizes that election procedures and voter information are critical elements to an informed and participating electorate. Registration Process. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes a variety of practices is necessary to provide the public with adequate information regarding where and how to register, under what circumstances and how to re-register, a notice of election dates, and the content of the ballot. The League supports: A registration process that is accessible, well-publicized and easily understood, as well as easy to implement and administer; Mail-in registration forms which are widely available; Oregon implementation of the National Voter Registration Act which includes registration process training for agency personnel and the designation of additional registration sites; Implementing a statewide centralized registration list; A registration cut-off requirement that does not disenfranchise otherwise qualified voters. Elections Process. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes elections should be conducted in a manner that encourages voter participation and supports: No more than four annual, regularly scheduled, election dates; A formula for cost-sharing between the state and the counties for the state portion of the primary and general elections; Evaluating the timing of the Oregon Primary; and Expediting the process for filling vacancies in federal offices. Voting Process. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes citizens are entitled to voting procedures that provide ease of ballot access and use and support: Use of vote-by-mail in all elections. Every effort should be made to preserve ballot secrecy to prevent fraud. Use of the permanent absentee ballot, provided methods and timelines for counting such ballots are improved, unless and until vote-by-mail in all elections is implemented; and Shortening the time between sending out mail ballots and their required return date. Voter Education Process. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports the publication and distribution of a state Voters’ Pamphlet prior to statewide elections and believes that: The state has an obligation to provide voters with accurate information so that voters can make reasoned choices; All ballot measures must be included with official explanatory statements, an official advisory opinion on constitutionality, effects of a “yes” and “no ” vote, a fiscal impact statement, and summaries of the main arguments for and against the measures; The number of arguments for and against the measures to be included should be limited; The fees charged per page should more clearly reflect the actual costs; and Ballot titles and measures need to be stated in clear, concise language and should avoid confusing negatives. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports a mandatory certification procedure for all county chief elections officials Election Methods Adopted 2017 The League of Women Voters of Oregon reco gnizes that election methods affect how voters participate in our democracy, who can run for office, and who can get elected. Therefore, the League supports election methods that: Encourage voter participation and voter engagement. Encourage those with minority opinions to participate. Are easy to use. Are verifiable and auditable. Promote access to voting. Promote competitive elections. Promote sincere voting over strategic voting. Discourage negative campaigning. Prevent political manipulation (e.g. Gerrymandering). Are compatible with vote-by-mail elections. The League of Women Voters of Oregon does not believe that plurality voting is the best method for promoting democratic choice in all circumstances. For single-winner systems, the League supports ranked-choice voting; we do not support range or approval voting. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports election systems that elect policy-making bodies–legislatures, councils, commissions, and boards–that proportionally reflect the people they represent. We support systems that promote stable government, but we do not support systems that protect the two-party system. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports enabling legislation to allow local jurisdictions to explore alternative election methods. If an alternative election method is adopted, then funding for startup and voter education should be available. The League of Women Voters of Oregon does not support nonpartisan elections for state legislators. (Previous position) Adopted 2009 The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that any election method should be evaluated on its ability to: Promote voter participation. Be simple and easy for voters to understand. Be verifiable and auditable. Promote access to voting. Promote competitive elections. Prevent political manipulation. Be compatible with vote-by-mail elections. The League supports enabling legislation to allow local jurisdictions to explore alternative election methods, e.g. instant runoff or fusion voting. If a local jurisdiction adopts an alternative election method, that jurisdiction should bear the costs of startup and voter education. Only after experience and evaluation at the local level should the state consider alternative election methods for statewide adoption. The League does not support nonpartisan elections for state legislators. Emergency Board - Adopted 1982 The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports the use of t he appointed Emergency Board to provide fiscal adjustment between legislative sessions. The League endorses the practice of naming a majority of the members from the current Ways and Means Committee to the Emergency Board. However, balanced statewide representation should be required. The public should have the right to be heard by the Emergency Board. Its meetings should be publicized in advance and summary agendas should be readily available to the public. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that powers of the board should be reviewed by the Oregon Legislative Assembly. Areas to be reviewed should include: The definition of what constitutes an emergency; The discretionary ability of the board to make policy decisions in a forum where political accountability and public participation are limited. Since the position was adopted in 1982, opportunities for action have not arisen. Fiscal Policy – Tax System Adopted 1965-66, 1973; Revised 1971, 1973, 1979, 1984, 1992, 1993, 1999; Educational Update 1999* Evaluating Taxes . The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes any tax proposal should be evaluated with regard to its effect on the entire tax structure. The League supports the following criteria for evaluating taxes and tax systems. A tax system that is based on ability to pay, but that applies a benefits-received principle wherever reasonable and that recognizes the role of social expediency; A tax system that is equitable, adequate, stab le, easy to administer and as simple as possible; A tax system that takes into account the taxes levied by all levels of government covering the same tax base; A tax system that is flexible enough to adjust to social and economic changes (e.g., population shifts, development of new industry, demands for more services and changes in business cycles); A tax system that recognizes the individual’s responsibility for government services by providing for broad sharing of the tax burden. Fiscal Responsibility The League of Women Voters believes local government should have primary responsibility for financing non-school local government. Local services mandated by the state should have state funding. A tax limitation is justified if it provides safeguards in the regulation of state and local services and economy. A limitation is not desirable if it prevents provision of services, disrupts government functioning, inhibits progress or results in loss of local control. We believe economy should be achieved by efficiency and responsible administration. If cuts are necessary, preference should be given to cuts based on an established priority of services so that least essential services are reduced or eliminated first. Income Tax. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports the income tax as the most equitable means of providing state revenue. The income tax should be progressive, compatible with federal law and should apply to the broadest possible segment of Oregonians. Sales Tax. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports the adoption of a sales tax provided: The rate cannot be increased without approval of the voters; Regressivity is reduced through: a tax credit or rebate and exemptions for items such as food, rent and utilities. Property Tax. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports the use of the local property tax for partially financing local government and local services. Exemptions to the General Property Tax The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes: Social values justify: exemptions to charitable, educational and benevolent organizations; exemptions to fraternal organizations only to the extent of actual charity performed; partial exemption of church property with fees to be paid for local government services directly benefiting the property, such as police and fire protection. Exemptions designed to create a favorable climate for attracting new industry should be competitive with those of other states. Economic values justify tax deferral and special assessment at less than real market value on farmlands and forest lands. Eligibility for an exemption should require: a verified statement of the taxpayer; proof of income from all individuals seeking an exemption on their homestead- if eligibility for the exemption is based on income. Exemption laws should be periodically reexamined to determine whether they are justified. Exemption of some classes of personal property is justified if a tax on them would be too difficult or costly to administer. School District Financing. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes: The major portion of the cost of public schools should be borne by the state. The state should provide sufficient funds to give each child an equal, adequate education. All specifically state mandated programs should be financed by the state. Local districts should be allowed funding alternatives to provide educational programs. Apart from state mandates, local control of the educational programs should be maintained. A stable state system for financing public schools is crucial for long range planning. Emergency Clause. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports removing the emergency clause restriction on revenue measures. The importance of such measures warrants: Either more support than a simple majority; or More signatures than currently required on a petition to refer. Initiative and Referendum Position - Adopted 1988; Revised 1996; Educational Update 2001* Statute Initiatives. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports the constitutional right of Oregon citizens to propose or revise statutes through the direct initiative process. The League supports the following: Requiring a number of valid signatures not less than six (6) percent of the total number of votes cast for all candidates for governor at the last election at which a governor was elected for a term of four years; Requiring more than 25 signatures to file the prospective petition with the Secretary of State; Prohibiting legislative changes to an initiative statute for at least two years from its effective date, except to clarify implementation and to correct errors in form and style; Requiring an advisory opinion as to the constitutionality of each proposed initiative after it has qualified for the ballot. Such opinion should be published in the Voters’ Pamphlet; Limiting the time frame for collecting signatures to one year; Optional use of the indirect initiative. Constitutional Initiatives. The League of Women Voters of Oregon discourages amending the Oregon Constitution by the initiative process. If amendments by initiatives are allowed, the League supports the following restrictions: Requiring a number of valid signatures not less than ten (10) percent of the total number of votes cast for all candidates for governor at the last election at which a governor was elected for a term of four years; Requiring more than 25 signatures to file the prospective petition with the Secretary of State; Establishing a formula for a geographic distribution of signatures in order to reflect statewide interest in a measure; Requiring an advisory opinion as to the constitutionality of each proposed initiative after it has qualified for the ballot. Such opinion should be published in the Voters’ Pamphlet; Limiting the time frame for collecting signatures to one year; Requiring more than a simple majority of the total votes cast for the measure for passage; Exempting the Oregon Bill of Rights and revenue measures from the initiative process; and Using the indirect initiative process and scheduling discussion of a qualified initiative first on the agenda of the next legislative session. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports the Oregon petition referendum process as provided in the Oregon Constitution. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that ballot titles should be stated in clear, concise language and should avoid confusing negatives. The League of Women Voters of Oregon opposes paying petition circulators by the signature. Paid petitioners must be required to identify themselves as such, personally and on the signature sheets. With reasonable restrictions, petitioners should be allowed to collect signatures in highly visible privately and publicly owned locations. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports publication and distribution of a state Voters’ Pamphlet prior to statewide elections and believes that: The state has an obligation to provide the voters with accurate information so that voters can make reasoned choices; All ballot measures must be included with official explanatory statements, an official advisory opinion on constitutionality, effects of a “yes” and “no” vote, and summaries of the main arguments for and against the measures; The number of arguments for and against the measures to be included should be limited; and The fees charged per page should more clearly reflect the actual costs. *Updated in 2001 for background information only – no position change. Recall Elections - Adopted February 2025 1. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that local and county elections operations must have adequate funding and staffing levels sufficient to meet public needs and provide for strong, ongoing voter education. 2. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes all elected officials should be subject to recall, but not during their first six months in office. 3. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that persons seeking the recall of a public official should state the reasons and specify grounds including malfeasance (acting unlawfully while performing duties), nonfeasance (failure to perform duties), serious crimes, lack of fitness, corruption, or incompetence. The grounds on which an elected official may be recalled should be described in Oregon statute. 4. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes an adequate recall election schedule should provide time for voter education and full participation in the election. The timeline should: a. Allow elections officials to provide ballots to overseas and uniformed-service members at least 45 days before an election. b. Allow new voters adequate time to be notified of their requirement to register before an election in which they wish to cast ballots. c. Allow time for elections officials, advocates, and civic organizations to engage prospective voters. d. Allow no more than 90 days to obtain signatures on a recall petition. 5. To ensure adequate time for elections officials and staff to oversee signature verification and prepare ballots, and to contain elections-related costs, the League of Women Voters of Oregon supports restricting recall elections to one of the four election dates identified in Oregon law. 6. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that recall petitions should provide detailed information about how seats vacated by a successful recall are to be filled after the election. This information should be provided by elections staff. Seats should be vacated for the shortest time practical, with a scheduled election allowing voters to choose their public official. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports filling vacated positions by interim appointment rather than through simultaneous election in which the proposed recall of a public official appears on the ballot alongside candidates competing simultaneously for that very office. 7. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that recall petition circulators should be required to be Oregon residents and that these circulators should wear visible identification indicating whether they are paid or volunteers. 8. The League of Women Voters supports disclosure of the sources and amounts of campaign-related funding for recall proponents and opponents, with such disclosure beginning early and occurring regularly and in a timely way, so that voters can learn about groups involved as petitions circulate. Oregon State Courts - Adopted 1979, 2007 The League of Women Voters of Oregon affirms: The separation of powers provided in Article III, Section 1 of the Oregon Constitution; The treatment of the Oregon Judicial Department, the third branch of our state government, as a separate, independent, co-equal branch of state government. The League believes that: The State of Oregon should provide access to its courts that meets the diverse needs of all people who use the state courts. Judges must be free to decide cases based upon the facts of the particular case and the applicable law, independent of the influence of public opinion and political and partisan pressures. In order to improve the budget process and funding for the Oregon Judicial Department, the League supports: Adequate and stable funding to perform the Department’s core functions and critical services; Funding by the Legislature of mandated programs or procedures for the state courts; An independent compensation commission to set judicial compensation of state court judges. The state should ensure that counties are able to provide adequate court facilities, maintenance of those facilities, and security equipment and services. The League believes that the following criteria should be used in evaluating a system of selecting judges in Oregon. The system should: Be as free from political influence as possible; Encourage and attract the most competent and experienced people; Include a method of evaluating judges and judicial candidates. To preserve judicial impartiality and fairness and to protect the public’s perception of this impartiality and fairness, the League believes that efforts to obtain campaign finance reform in Oregon should include the financing of judicial campaigns. The League supports alternative dispute resolution (ADR) programs (such as arbitration, mediation, and settlement conferences) as a way to resolve disputes in appropriate cases, recognizing that, in some cases, a trial will be necessary. In order to operate effective ADR programs, Oregon’s courts should, at a minimum, have: Adequate facilities in which to conduct mediation and arbitration processes; Availability of trained and qualified arbitrators and mediators; Financial assistance for those unable to afford access to ADR; Adequate and stable funding. The League encourages the development of specialty courts (such as commercial court) and problem-solving courts (such as drug and mental health courts) within the Oregon Judicial Department. In order to operate effective specialty and problem-solving courts, Oregon’s courts need: Adequate court staff; Facilities in which to hold hearings; Availability of service providers and outpatient and residential treatment; Adequate and stable funding. Open Primaries - Adopted June 2023 Adopted position is based on Concurrence with the LWV Maryland position LWVOR supports more open primary elections, either through: a. Party primary elections in which unaffiliated voters as well as party members would be permitted to vote in a primary election to choose the nominees of the parties; or b. Individual candidate-based primary elections in which all voters choose among all candidates from all parties on the same ballot with the candidates’ party affiliations listed. The subsequent general election ballot would include either i. predetermined number of candidates without regard to partisan affiliation; or ii. those candidates receiving a predetermined percentage of the total primary vote Redistricting - Adopted 2007 Congressional and legislative redistricting should advance the fundamental purposes of representative democracy and a republican form of government by affording the people a meaningful choic e in electing their representatives and holding the government accountable to the people. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that the Oregon legislative and congressional redistricting system should be efficient, adequately funded, based on well-defined criteria, subject to a reasonable and effective timetable, and have an open and public process. Any redistricting plan should assure that voters are effectively able to hold their public officials accountable, responsible, and responsive, and be based on the following criteria: Adhere to all federal constitutional and legal requirements, such as that every district should have equal population, be contiguous, and meet the requirements of the Voting Rights Act; Promote competitiveness and partisan fairness; Consider other criteria, such as respect for political subdivisions, communities of interest, and geographic barriers. Any redistricting plan should be developed independently of the Legislature in a nonpartisan manner with substantial public input. The Legislature may be afforded an opportunity to review the plan and accept or reject it. The Oregon Supreme Court should promptly review and rule on any challenge to a redistricting plan and require adjustments if the criteria have not been met. Oregon should conduct redistricting only once during each decade follo wing the federal census. Natural Resources National Position The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that natural resources should be managed as interrelated parts of life-supporting ecosystems. Resources should be conserved and protected to assure their future availability. Pollution of these resources should be controlled in order to preserve the physical, chemical and biological integrity of ecosystems and to protect public health. Agriculture National Position: Statement of Position on Federal Agriculture Policy, as Announced by National Board, October 1988: The LWVUS believes that federal agriculture policies should promote adequate supplies of food and fiber at reasonable prices to consumers, farms that are economically viable, farm practices that are environmentally sound and increased reliance on the free market to determine prices. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE . Federal policy should encourage a system of sustainable, regenerative agricultural production that moves toward an environmentally sound agricultural sector. This includes promoting stewardship to preserve and protect the country’s human and natural agricultural resources. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT . Agricultural research, development and technical assistance should continue to be a major federal function. Resources should be targeted to developing sustainable agricultural practices and addressing the needs of mid-size farms. AGRICULTURAL PRICES . The LWV US supports an increasing reliance on the free market to determine the price of agricultural commodities and the production decisions of farmers, in preference to traditional price support mechanisms. AGRICULTURE AND TRADE . U.S. efforts should be directed toward expanding export markets for our agricultural products while minimizing negative effects on developing nations’ economies. Consistent with the League’s trade position, multilateral trade negotiations should be used to reduce other countries’ barriers and/or subsidies protecting their agricultural products. FARM CREDIT. Farmers should have access to credit with reasonable terms and conditions. Federally provided farm credit is essential to maintaining the viability of farm operations when the private sector is unable or unwilling to provide the credit farmers need. Of these policies, the League believes the most essential for the future of agriculture are: encouraging sustainable agriculture; providing research, information and technical assistance to agricultural producers; and increasing reliance on the free market to determine prices. Air Quality - Adopted May 1968 The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that all segments of society (government, industry, agriculture and individual citizens) must share responsibility for improved air pollution abatement practices. In more specific terms, the League supports: Adequate standards for control of all sources of pollution and strict enforcement of established rules and regulations; A comprehensive, coordinated program for management of air as a natural resource; Adequate financing for air pollution abatement programs; More research to determine causes and effects of air pollution and methods of control, better coordination of research programs, and increased sharing of information. League agrees: Individuals, too, must recognize their responsibility in abatement programs and be willing to accept restrictions on their own activities, particularly with respect to automobiles and backyard burning. Effective public education programs are necessary if the public is to: recognize the seriousness of the problem; and appreciate the necessity to support improved pollution abatement. In general, industry must be prepared to pay the cost of abatement for its own pollution, but members recognize the usefulness of some form of financial incentives: to assist small or distressed industries; and to prevent undue delay in obtaining relief from pollution. The members prefer loans and direct grants over forms of tax relief. Polluters should bear the cost of pollution abatement in proportion to their contribution to the problem. (Actually everyone will pay, whether in taxes, in product cost, or in bearing the consequence of inadequate pollution abatement.) In considering Oregon’s relationship with other governmental units, League concludes: Because both the desirable air quality and the problems of pollution vary from one area to another: The state has a right to set higher standards for pollution than those set by the federal government. The state has a responsibility to set higher standards for pollution when local conditions demand it. Federal standards in all cases should be recognized as a minimum below which state standards cannot be set. As air pollution does not recognize state boundaries, participation in interstate compacts is desirable in order to control pollution on an airshed basis. Climate Change National Position On Climate Change : LWVUS supports a price on carbon emissions that will increase in stages, as part of an overall program to improve energy efficiency and to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy, fast enough to avoid serious damage to the climate system. Revised June 5, 2016: LWVUS supports aggressive efforts to restore balance to the planet’s climate systems by reducing the atmospheric carbon dioxide to 350 parts per million (ppm), the upper safe limit. The target set by scientists requires an immediate 8% global greenhouse gas emissions annually; in conjunction with carbon dioxide storage through mass reforestation, and soil management. Further, we support transitioning off of fossil fuels to alternative forms of energy: wind, hydroelectric, wave, tidal, geothermal, and solar; and prioritizing a just transition to all Americans. In 2016, LWVUS passed 3 resolutions: LWVUS consider signing onto an Amicus Brief with the 21 youth plaintiffs from Our Children’s Trust; LWVUS support the United States ratification of the UN COP 21 Paris Agreement; LWVUS should continue working for full implementation of the EPA Clean Power Plan, especially at the state level, as a first step, and should call on the White House to implement an updated science-based Climate Action Plan that stabilizes global warming by bringing CO2 levels down to no more than 350 ppm by 2100. Offshore and Coastal Management - Adopted May 1990, 2013 The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes responsible and responsive government management of the public’s coastal and nearshore natural resources shall be based upon: A complete environmental assessment, cumulative impact analysis, and baseline data specific to Oregon. Recognition of coastal states and local government’s rights, jurisdictions, and responsibilities to preser ve and protect marine and coastal environment and economy. Federal government’s offshore activities must be consistent with Oregon’s approved Coastal Zone Management Plan. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports uniformity of regulations governing the coastal management zone, with opportunity for public input. Jurisdictions should have the ability to enhance regulations to better address local conditions. The League supports the development and maintenance of local comprehensive plans and development codes. Funding should be adequate for effective management and enforcement and should come from a variety of sources. The League opposes any revision, interpretation, or application of Oregon’s established marine policy that would diminish Land Conservation and Development Commission Goal 19’s strong environmental and natural resources conservation policy giving clear priority to long-term renewable resource uses. The League of Women Voters of Oregon opposes oil and gas exploration and development within the state’s territorial sea, and requests the state to oppose any federal lease sales within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone off the Oregon coast. The ecological integrity, renewable natural resources, and beneficial uses of Oregon’s ocean water must be protected. The League of Women Voters of Oregon opposes exploration and development of marine minerals within the state’s territorial sea. The League supports academic research that would not adversely affect the ecological integrity, renewable natural resources, and beneficial uses of the state’s territorial sea. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports a state policy that calls on the federal government to ban the exploration and development of marine minerals with the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone off the Oregon coast. Should a ban not be effected, the following must be required: An unbiased, credible scientific E.I.S. should be completed prior to any offshore mineral exploration or recovery operation. Offshore mineral activities should be evaluated for degradation of the marine environment, risk to ocean fisheries, and coastal erosion problems. A complete socioeconomic impact statement of offshore developments effect on the states and coastal economy should be made. The League of Women Voters of Oregon affirms the public’s right to be completely informed, actively involved and assured the opportunity to participate in decisions about offshore exploration and development, as well as onshore facilities that support offshore development. The League of Women Voters of Oregon endorses adequate industry-financed oil spill contingency funds, compensation funds, and company bonding for marine mineral mining activities to cover claims for damage caused by their operations, onshore support facilities, and transporting vessels. Governments and other claimants should be reimbursed for, but not limited to, the following: Oil spill clean-up costs. Loss of natural resources or loss of use of natural resources. Impairment of earning capacity. Damage to real or personal property and personal injury. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports a policy which allows the state to terminate or modify a lease for environmental endangerment or for public safety within the state’s territorial sea. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports the creation and operation of marine reserves and protected areas on the Oregon Coast. Siting and management of reserves should reflect a variety of factors, including habitat, species diversity, fisheries and tourism, with sound science being the most critical. The reserves should have identified goals, and continuous funding should come from multiple sources. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports active research into ocean energy technologies. Research should incorporate evaluation of impacts on marine habitats and the coastal economy. Funding should be from multiple sources. Commercial deployment should be allowed only after adequate scientific research is completed and regulations have been adopted. Monitoring should be ongoing with necessary actions and modifications taken to protect the marine environment. Commercial operations should agree to bear the cost of remediating and restoring any environmental damage. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports actions to restore and preserve estuaries to assure they function effectively in the long term. Measures could include additional reserves, streamside protection, planting, removal of invasive species, scientific research, restoration, and response to climate change. Funding should be from multiple sources. Estuary restoration should encourage education and volunteer involvement. The League recognizes that dredging may be necessary to keep deep-water channels open for maritime commerce. Prior to activity, environmental assessments must be completed to ensure protection of habitat. Design and execution should minimize damage to natural habitats. Recognizing that mining affects water quantity, quality, and habitat, mining practices should be strictly regulated to minimize damage and require restoration. In some instances, where preserving water quality and habitat is vital, mining should be banned. Energy Conservation - Adopted May 1973; Educational Update 2003* The members of the League of Women Voters of Oregon support state p olicies which promote long range planning for conservation and wise development of energy sources. The League believes the public should have an opportunity to influence decisions on the development of particular sources and the citing of specific installations. League supports: A governmental agency to evaluate power needs estimates and plan source development. This agency should include representatives of: utility companies, the general public, and all levels of government. Governmental programs to provide public education and information to encourage information participation in all power decisions, both for production and conservation. The League believes that in any decision to build a power plant: The most important consideration is environmental quality; Of lesser importance, but to be taken into account are: size of electric bills and prices of goods, industrial development, cultural standards. The League supports the following conservation measures: Rate structures encouraging the wise use of energy. To this end League favors: a low base rate for essential use, above this, higher rates to discourage waste. Government funding of research and development efforts to discover new technologies: to provide efficient methods for energy production and use with minimal environmental damage, emphasis should be given to renewable resources. Governmental programs to provide public education and information. Building codes which will specify standards of design and insulation that minimize waste of energy used for heating, cooling, and lighting. The League believes that state or region should be allowed higher standards for nu-clear plants than those set by the federal government. *Updated in 2003 for background information only – no position change. Nuclear Energy - Adopted May 1980 The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that the nuclear power program must be managed to protect current and future generations and to maintain an environment beneficial to life. Technical uncertainties must be publicly recognized and planned for, Responsibility for establishing and maintaining a waste system must not be deferred to future generations, and Effective coordination among all levels of government – federal, state, local – and the private sector is imperative in planning and carrying out programs for transportation, waste storage, and safety, with responsibility and authority clearly designated. Forests - Adopted at Convention, May 2021 The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes: That all benefits of the forests—ecological, human and economic—are inextricably interconnected. Healthy forests are essential to habitat for a diversity of plant and animal life, to the hydrologic cycle, and to carbon storage to mitigate global warming. In addition, healthy forests are essential to a forest products industry with the jobs and goods they provide, and to the economic and aesthetic values of their recreational opportunities. Therefore, The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports: Laws and policies to ensure that forest management (for timber extraction, recreation or any other activity) is carried out in a manner that will sustain healthy forests, streams and habitats. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that the following are essential elements of an adequate forest practices policy: The public must be informed and involved in the decision-making process in the development of regulations. There must be adequate public notice of forest practices permit applications, hearings, meetings and proposed actions. Public review and comment at each phase of policy and regulation development should be required. Citizens and stakeholders must be represented on the decision-making bodies; There must be authority and funding for enforcement of regulations. Existing land use and forest practices regulations must be monitored and enforced, and should be responsive to changing scientific knowledge. There must be coordination of regulations for public and private lands among governmental entities; Riparian zones are an integral part of the forest ecosystem and must be regulated adequately to protect the streams and the wildlife dependent upon the streams; (stet.) Education should be made available to timber owners on scientifically sound forest practices with the establishment of a small landowners’ agency for this purpose; Environmental values of the lands proposed for trade must be considered before the economic values; Trained appraisers, with public oversight, must be used. The right of appeal must be available to the public; Full accounting of all costs, including cumulative ecological impacts, of timber harvests and other forest uses must be considered in forest activity decisions; Forest management must be responsive to scientific research and knowledge and should include: mapping, classification and protection of all streams, more and better data—including total watershed analysis, evaluation of cumulative effects of various activities in the forest in the consideration of individual forest practice permits, and planning for sustainability of forest ecosystems. 9. The State should consider ecological protections the most important factor in deciding which activities to allow on state forest lands; 10. Motorized activities should be restricted and in separate areas from non-motorized activities Forest roads must be built, maintained and decommissioned to have the least impact on the forest ecosystems. Some areas on state lands should be roadless; 11. Educate consumers about the human and ecological values of our forests as well as the opportunities and benefits of more efficient use of forest products, recycling and the use of alternatives to wood; 12. Fund independent scientific research that would include improved forest practices and ecologically sound alternatives to the use of wood; 13. Tax benefits and compensation should be considered to encourage small landowners to manage their forests in an ecologically sustainable manner; 14. Oregon schools must be fully funded with less reliance on timber harvests; and Trust lands should remain in public ownership. Hard Rock Mining - Adoption of this position was ratified by the LWVOR Board May 2022. The League of Women Voters of Oregon recognizes society's need for key minerals, and also the potential harmful environmental, health, and human impacts that mining for these minerals can produce. Currently there is little hard rock mining in Oregon, and much of Oregon’s topography is not well-suited to mining. However, minerals such as gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, and uranium have been mined in the past, and these and new minerals such as lithium may be mined in the future in Ore gon. Hard rock mining in Oregon is governed by a complex and interconnected set of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and permitting processes, which include provisions for environmental protection, economic evaluation, and reclamation of mining sites. The League supports an approach to the overall regulation and oversight of hard rock mining that will: Modify leasing and permitting decision criteria to eliminate the dominance of mineral rights over alternate public land uses, environmental protection, and of ecosystem services such as biodiversity and climate regulation. Improve leasing, permitting, and oversight processes to assure ample opportunities for public disclosure and stakeholder comment. Modernize standards for policy review to ensure adequate protection of health, safety, other industries, air, water, habitats, and ecosystem services, and require mining operations on public lands to comply with all environmental regulations. Establish procedures to protect specific areas of critical environmental concern, for example, by allowing states, political subdivisions, or stakeholder groups to petition to exclude mining in special areas, and/or provide for expedited review of areas that may be inappropriate for mining. Further, the League would support reforms to federal mining laws and practices that will: Effectively repeal the directive in the Hard Rock Mining Law of 1872 that hard rock mining take precedence over all other uses of public lands. Strengthen and enforce mining financial responsibility requirements, so that they (a) compensate taxpayers for industry resource extraction on public lands, by establishing a system of permitting, leasing and royalty fees for domestic and foreign mining exploration, extraction, and revenues; and (b)establish funding mechanisms and procedures to reclaim mining sites, restore ecosystems adversely affected by mining operations, remediate environmental degradation, and provide for long-term monitoring. Finally, the League supports changes in Oregon's laws and practices that will: Strengthen existing statutory provisions for mine operators' reclamation bonds or alternative security, particularly as they relate to long-term site care and monitoring needs and ensure that permits issued by the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries include the costs of department oversight and review. Enhance opportunities for public input concerning mining on public lands, and adopt policies that support and encourage public participation in actions that may impact the State’s environmental resources and local economies. Promote and incentivize recycling programs that reduce consumption and support reuse and recycling of non-renewable virgin metal minerals, in order to reduce the mining and extraction of these materials and to protect and conserve other environmental and natural resources; adopt legislation that establishes metal recycling patterned after Oregon’s E-Cycles Program. Among the objectives of a metal recycling program would be: (a) developing consumer information and education on the economic and environmental value of reuse and recycling of metals; (b) providing free recycling at widely dispersed collection sites throughout the State; (c) promoting state and regional processing sites for refurbishment, recovery, and reuse of metal materials; and (d) funding DEQ administration and monitoring compliance at collection and processing sites. Hazardous Materials - No national position at this time Land Use - Adopted May 1995; Educational Update 2002* Citizen Participation Citizen participation, education, communication and ongoing reevaluation are essential elements in the comprehensive planning process. Recognizing the need for effective citizen participation, the League of Women Voters of Oregon believes the following factors should be considered in establishing citizen advisory groups in all jurisdictions within the state involved in land use planning: Representation on a broad socioeconomic , geographic and occupational basis. Appointment for a specific project with specified goals and terms, and provision for an adequate orientation to the purposes of the agency. Provision for communication among citizens, citizen advisory groups and planning agencies. The League of Women Vote rs of Oregon supports appointment of Citizen Involvement Committees (CICs), separate from planning commissions, to assist local governing bodies with their citizens’ involvement programs. Regional and Urban Growth The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports a system of local government based upon constitutional home rule for metropolitan districts, counties and cities. The League recognizes certain principles of good local government. These are: Democratic representation and control. Basic simplicity with power to plan for future growth or change. Consideration of the interdependence of land use, transportation and environmental quality in all comprehensive plans. The League supports the establishment of a regional government in an area where planning and delivery of services can be more efficiently and economically provided by such a government. Statewide Planning The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) as the statewide planning agency. We also support the 19 statewide land use goals. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports policies that promote both conservation and development of land as a natural resource, in accordance with Oregon’s land use goals. Applying this principle, the League believes: The state should have the prime responsibility for establishing statewide planning goals and for supervising and coordinating comprehensive land use plans, with participation by citizens and by local and regional governments. The state, with citizen participation, should identify, regulate and enforce areas of critical statewide concern. Consideration of accurate information concerning water availability and quality should be a prime factor when making land use decisions. Taxation and assessment policies should support comprehensive land use plans. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports protection of private property rights commensurate with overall consideration of public health and environmental prot ection. *Updated in 2002 for background information only – no position change. Parks - Adopted January 1999 The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that a parks system is an appropriate function of state government and should provide the following services: Acquire, protect and preserve natural, scenic, cultural, historic, and wildlife sites and other resources; Provide camping and a variety of other recreational opportunities, consistent with the natural environment; Offer interpretive and educational information and programs regarding the history, culture, and natural resources of the state and the features of specific parklands; Protect public ownership of beaches; Secure affordable and safe access to parks and ocean beaches. PROGRAM. The LWVOR believes that to be effective the Oregon parks system must have: Competent personnel in sufficient numbers; Clear assignment of responsibility; Adequate, stable funding; Coordination with different agencies and levels of government; Well-defined channels for citizen input and review; Consideration of local concerns when consistent with statewide public interest; Reasonable protection from crime and vandalism; Cooperation and coordination with the private sector when in the public interest; and Long-range planning. FUNDING . The LWVOR supports a balance and varied mixture of revenues for Oregon’s parks with the General Fund providing basic support for departmental operations. While the LWVOR believes user fees are sometimes appropriate, the League opposes them for non-intensive, brief visits. The sale of annual use permits is encouraged. Other appropriate revenue sources include but are not limited to recreational vehicle and automobile registration fees, lottery funds, and certain specific charges, such and bottle taxes. The Oregon parks system should actively seek donations of land, funds, facilities and services. SERVICE PROVISIONS . The LWVOR advocates the efficient provision of services in state parks under state supervision and control. In general, the League is opposed to the private management of parks but supports well-supervised contracts for services with a reasonable return for the Oregon parks system. Use of correction-system and volunteer labor is supported if it is well supervised. PLANNING. The LWVOR believes that the Oregon parks system requires a long-range strategic plan that includes periodic evaluation and is adequately funded. Such a plan should give high priority to: Preservation and maintenance of existing parks; Protection and expansion of public access to ocean beaches; Acquisition of additional park resources; Provision of campground facilities and day-use areas; and Protection of scenic waterways. Pesticides and Other Biocides - Study Completed 2021 - Position Adopted 2023 The League of Women Voters of Oregon affirms that pesticides and other biocides should be managed as interrelated parts of life-supporting ecosystems, and their use should be controlled in order to preserve the physical, chemical and biological integrity of ecosystems and to protect public health, and that agriculture policies should promote farm practices that are environmentally sound and sustainable. LWVOR Supports: • Initial pesticide and biocide testing for registration has proven insufficient for preventing harm. We recommend increased testing by governmental agencies and third parties. We must identify and weigh benefits that balance safety versus toxicity, protecting food security while safeguarding public health and the environment. • Decisions for testing should be based upon a timeframe between 5 to10 years, or as new scientific data dictates. Varying weather conditions can greatly influence pesticide drift, impacting nearby bodies of water, schools, and communities including agricultural workers. The registrant of the Pesticide or Biocide currently bears the burden of proof for safety however the current regimen of tests is insufficient. • When approving the use of a Pesticide or Biocide we must consider: Risk to humans, animals, the environment, economic harm, cost to business, impact on food security, and the spread of invasive species and disease. • Pesticide labels should be improved to include: Regulations restricting use, hazards of use, best practices of use to minimize harm. Labels should be clearly written and easy to see and understand in multiple languages and use graphics to clarify explanations. • Federal and state agencies bear the responsibility for pesticide policy, based on research by pesticide manufacturers. These government agencies should also contribute to pesticide research with support from other groups. • We support using adaptive pesticide management, focusing on continual observation of current regulatory practice outcomes. As scientific advances reveal environmental and health impacts, as well as impacts on food security, the system should include the ability to rapidly react to new risk assessment data. 2019: The League supported SB 853 and HB 3058, which related to pesticides, including prohibiting chlorpyrifos and requiring licensing for neonicotinoids. They did not pass. Seismic Risks - Adopted March 1995 The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that all levels of government share the responsibility of coordinating, implementing and funding an effective program to mitigate Oregon’s earthquake and tsunami hazards. Priority must be given to mitigation that protects human life and safeguards critical life support systems. The League supports: Educating the public about the grave significance of Oregon’s earthquake and tsunami threat and encouraging preparedness. Improving the safety of transportation systems and establishing alternate routes around bridges and overpasses which are likely to be unsafe after an earthquake or tsunami. Establishing tsunami warning signals and evacuation routes. Evaluating dams that threaten population centers and taking remedial actions, such as reinforcing dams, and developing maps and downstream notification procedures. LWVOR supports as essential elements of an effective earthquake and tsunami program: Comprehensive education efforts: All school children should be taught to understand Oregon’s earthquake and tsunami hazards and how to respond to various situations and conditions that may arise. Schools’ earthquake and tsunami plans, education and drills should be monitored and analyzed for adequacy. Improved preparedness: Federal, state, and local chain of command should be established and fully coordinated. The emergency communication system should be enhanced and regularly tested. Emergency Services should be accessible and housed in safe buildings. Citizens should be encouraged to develop emergency plans, including supply kits. When citing critical facilities, tsunami run up and inundation as well as seismic factors such as severe ground shaking, liquefaction, massive landslide potential, and subsidence should be considered. Geological reports identifying property at risk should be on file and accessible to the public. Property that poses extreme hazards should be designated as unbuildable. Solid Waste - No national position at this time. Water Policy – Quality and Quantity - Adopted April 2011; Replaced positions on Water Policy and Planning (adopted January 1977; revised March 1985) and Water Quality (adopted January 1969) The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that water is a resource that should be managed for the benefit of the public and as sustainable habitat for all life forms. The League supports Oregon state policies and statutes that promote comprehensive long-range planning for conservation and management of ground and surface water and the improvement of water quality. Regulating agencies that govern the protection and conservation of water should be transparent and provide the public easy access to information. The League supports management approaches that maximize interagency communication to include but are not limited to: Uniform definitions of “beneficial uses” and other terminology for both quality and quantity management, Coordination of activities including water allocation, measurement, monitoring/ testing, enforcement of water law and the promotion of water conservation, Well-defined statutory enforcement procedures and the funding to protect water resources held in common, and Recognition of the variability of local/basin/watershed quality and quantity needs. The League recognizes the application of historic prior appropriations of water but supports modifications in order to accomplish the following: Consider both in-stream and out-of-stream beneficial uses of water, Facilitate changes from one beneficial use of water to another, Provide incentives for water user conservation, Incorporate evolving scientific understanding of natural water systems in waste management, Develop priority uses for water in times of shortage, and Expand protection of in-stream beneficial uses such as minimum perennial stream flow. The League believes that the interdependence of land use planning and water planning must be recognized and required at all levels of government: Local comprehensive plans, watershed plans, basin plans, state and regional plans should be coordinated and complementary. Roles and responsibilities of all decision makers and agencies affecting water resource and quality issues should be clearly defined. The League believes that all planning for ground and surface water should include consideration for both the quality of the water and the availability of water to meet the beneficial uses. Planning at all levels should consider existing water rights and current and projected uses. The League acknowledges that this may be best accomplished at the watershed/basin level if adequate funding and professional staffing are available. Basin/ watershed water management should be efficient and economical, responsive to public need, flexible to allow for changes over time, and lead to conservation and allocation of the resource in the public interest. Transfers of water between basins should require coordination with planning and water use in both basins. The League recognizes that effective planning for water protection and use is most effective with a complete inventory of the water resource including all domestic wells and encourages moving toward this goal. Priority efforts should be directed to geographic areas with identified problems and vulnerabilities. The League opposes degradation of all of Oregon’s surface and ground water. The League supports policies and legislation that integrate water quality into resource management and include but are not limited to standards for: Potable water and drinking water treatment facilities, Placement and inspection of septic tanks and alternative individual treatment systems, In-stream surface water quality for recreational use, including primary contact sports, commercial and sport fishing, and habitat protection, Ground water quality for recognized beneficial uses, Agricultural, municipal, forestry and industrial wastewater discharge and runoff, Uniform water quality testing protocols– updated as scientific methodologies improve, Permitting and enforcement procedures with agency funding adequate to ensure timely compliance, Adequate, well maintained sewers and sewage treatment facilities and Control and treatment of runoff from non-pervious surfaces. The League recognizes that conservation strategies for surface and ground water, including but not limited to incentives, regulations and rationing in emergency situations, are needed to meet future demand. Individuals, agriculture, municipalities, forestry and industry should be encouraged to develop practices to reduce water usage and minimize pollution. Support should be provided for upgrading and maintaining the equipment necessary for water conservation. The League supports the need to build resiliency and innovation into water planning in order to address climate change impacts. Public involvement should be encouraged throughout the water management and planning processes. The processes should be transparent and include educational components. The League acknowledges that all water users must share in the cost of water management. Rate payers should have primary responsibility for infrastructure maintenance, delivery and conservation. The state should have primary responsibility for planning, research, data collection and public outreach. Permit fees should be a significant contributor to the development of infrastructure. Water Resources of the Columbia River and the Columbia River Task Force Adopted 1979 In order to meet the present and future water needs within the Columbia River Basin, the League of Women Voters believes comprehensive planning on a basin-wide basis for conservation, development, and management of the water is essential to the optimum utilization of our water resources. Machinery is needed which will: Provide coordinated planning and administration among federal, state, and other agencies; Establish a process for resolving conflicts among uses; Establish procedures which provide information and an opportunity for citizen participation in policy decisions affecting the directions which water resources development will take. The federal government has a necessary role in financing water resources development, but state and local governments and private users should share such costs, as far as possible, based on benefits received and the ability to pay. The League of Women Voters believes that wise planning for the use of water in the Columbia River Basin requires an inventory of the water resource within the Basin. This inventory should include all water-related information including: ground and surface water sources, viable water rights, current use, and projected future needs. The inventory should be readily available to concerned agencies and the general public. The League also believes that minimum stream flows should be established as a public right and maintained on all streams in the Columbia River Basin. Social Policy Adult Corrections Adopted August 1983 The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that a full range of correctional programs should exist for adult offenders. The League strongly favors increased use of alternatives to incarceration where possible. The League supports alternatives at all stages of the criminal justice process, including but not limited to: pre-trial diversions, employment and educational programs, restitution, treatment centers for mental illness and substance abuse. The League strongly supports community-based programs such as those offered through the Community Corrections Act, especially those which allow inmates to be partially or wholly self-supporting. If more facilities are needed, the League favors: Minimum security regional treatment and/or program focused facilities. Adequate staffing and program must be part of any facility within the corrections system. Prison programs should provide each inmate with: educational and vocational training, opportunities for meaningful work, and adequate medical and mental health care. Maximum security prisons are needed for violent criminals judged dangerous to society. The League believes that comprehensive transitional programs are essential for successful completion of rehabilitation for each inmate released or paroled from a correctional facility. The League supports the adoption of sentencing guidelines that set parameters for judges throughout the state in order to reduce disparity in sentencing. Judges should be responsible for determining the length of sentences. The League supports continuation of the Parole Board. Child Care: Adopted March 1989; Updated Position 2025 The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that child care is a social and economic issue that reaches beyond the family into the community. Quality child care needs to be available, accessible and affordable to all families for children of all ages and with differing needs. The League of Women Voters supports a diverse child care system to accommodate different parental choices and needs. Such a system may include day care centers, group homes, and family day care homes. The State of Oregon should establish appropriate standards to ensure that high quality care exists in all settings. For centers and group homes: these standards should address facilities, staff qualifications, and number of children served. Program, parent/care giver communication, administration and transportation should be included for centers and may also be considered for group homes. There should be flexible guidelines for family day care homes because of the unique character of these facilities. The State of Oregon should enforce mandatory regulations by funding a sufficient number of inspectors. The State of Oregon should set requirements for adequate training for care givers and ensure those training opportunities are available. This could include state provision of training and/or state incentives for others to provide training. City and county governments should participate in enforcing health and fire standards. Affordable child care should be available and accessible for children with differing needs and in various age groups. While parents have the primary responsibility for choosing child care, a coordinated effort between parents and government, together with providers, employers, and private groups is necessary to deliver quality child care at an affordable price. The State of Oregon should: Provide financial assistance for child care expenses to low- and middle-income families based on need. Such assistance could include tax credits for parents with a ceiling based on income. Support resource and referral programs. Encourage employer involvement in the child care system. Encourage development of school-age child care programs. Parents in job training, in school, with special-needs children and/or needing respite care services should be eligible for financial assistance for child care based on demonstrated need. Child caregivers should be awarded recognition commensurate with their responsibilities. The State of Oregon should take a leadership role in elevating the professional status of child caregivers and ensuring adequate compensation. National Position (adopted in 1988): “Support programs, services, and policies at all levels of government to expand the supply of affordable, quality child care for all who need it, in order to increase access to employment and to prevent and reduce poverty.” Updated Position Adopted February 2025 Administration and Organization: Oregon should have a coordinating organization to provide overall planning for care and enrichment for children and youth from birth through high school during non-school time. Oregon must periodically conduct an in-depth cost/benefit analysis of K-12 childcare programs that includes economic benefits to the economy vs. cost to taxpayers for the public and for the Legislature. Oregon should provide subsidized and stable funding for afterschool and summer programs that include education, enrichment, and experiential learning. Oregon should provide startup funds for childcare, after school, and summer programs. Reimbursements should be timely, consistent, and clearly defined. Evaluation results of programs (not individual children) should be made public. Licensing: Oregon should provide licensing and oversight for care programs involving children and youth 0-18 yrs. Oregon should provide a clear, comprehensive licensing process. Facility requirements should be clearly defined to help providers understand and meet regulations. Coaching and technical assistance regarding licensing should be made available to providers. The licensing of providers should be handled by one state agency. Curriculum: There should be oversight to ensure age-appropriate curricular goals are met. Equity, respect, and the needs of diverse cultures should be incorporated into curriculum planning to benefit all children. Older youth should be involved in curricular planning to help them develop independence and responsibility. Care programs should have curricular input from parents and guardians. When the latest research on curriculum and procedures is available, it should be disseminated to providers. Staffing: The certification of provider staff should be in one state agency. Background checks should be conducted by one state agency with an emphasis on efficient and prompt responses. Provider staff should be compensated for the training time required. The training required for provider staff should be free or subsidized. Training for provider staff should be offered at a variety of times at accessible locations or online and be available in a variety of languages. The State of Oregon should provide forgivable education loans for people who work in childcare, afterschool, and summer care in underserved or high poverty areas. Children at Risk - Adopted January 1995 ; Updated Position 2015 The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports comprehensive statewide, locally-based programs and services for teen pregnancy prevention and for teenage parents. Such programs and services should include elements of the following: family planning services, school-based health centers, parenting skills’ education, cooperation/coordination among agencies providing services, evaluation and accountability measurements, easy and appropriate access to information and services, mentoring and counseling for teenagers and their parents, including peer counseling, community involvement and support groups, abuse prevention, male responsibility in teen pregnancy prevention, broad public education, and 12. substance abuse prevention. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes the state should have the primary responsibility for funding programs addressing teenage pregnancy prevention and teen parenting. Elements to be included, but not limited to, are: equitable funding of programs for young women and young men, adequate funding for state agencies with responsibilities to children, cooperative efforts with the private sector, funds earmarked for community programs, urban and rural, which provide after school and weekend activities for teens, and shared funding responsibility, when appropriate, among state, local and private sources. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports development of required curriculum for all school districts relative to teen pregnancy and parenting, accompanied by implementation requirements, which covers, but is not limited to, the following areas: comprehensive, age-appropriate family life sexuality education K-12, parenting skills education, specialized education programs for pregnant teens and teenage parents, and teacher training at the baccalaureate level and as continuing education. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports programs directed to assist pregnant teens and teen parents. These programs include the following: job training and adequate wages, involvement and financial support requirements for fathers, counseling to break the cycles of abuse, poverty, and teen pregnancy, health care, including prenatal care, accessible, affordable housing, child care, transportation access, completion of secondary education, and self-esteem enhancement, career opportunities, and transition to self-sufficiency. Updated Position 2015 In the Spring of 2015, League members throughout Oregon studied early childhood education, discussed consensus questions posed by the LWVOR study committee, and submitted their views to the state League. Those views were combined to formulate the following position, which can now be used for advocacy by local Leagues as well as the LWVOR Action Team. LWVOR Children at Risk Position Statement: The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that the early years of a child’s life are crucial in building the foundation for educational attainment and greatly impact success or failure in later life. Early intervention and prevention measures are effective in helping children reach their full potential. The League supports policies, programs, and funding at all levels of the community and government that promote the well-being, encourage the full development, and ensure the safety of all children. These include: Nutrition and food access for vulnerable children and families Access to affordable, safe, and stable housing Early screening (physical, dental, mental, and behavioral) for all children; early prenatal care and ongoing health care for children (physical, mental, dental) Access to affordable, quality child care (see LWVOR Child Care position) Access to early literacy and pre-school programs, including but not limited to Early Head Start and Head Start Programs for mental health and addictions treatment for parents Family support, including but not limited to home visiting, parenting classes, and family relief nurseries Comprehensive services for children with developmental and cognitive disabilities Use of evidence-based practices in child welfare and foster care Programs to reduce poverty by providing parents with assistance in job training and education Policies and legislation to reduce racial or ethnic minority status inequities The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that governments, at all levels, have a responsibility to oversee and coordinate a comprehensive network of services to maximize children’s readiness to be successful in school while optimizing available resources. National Position, adopted 1994: The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that early intervention and prevention measures are effective in helping children reach their full potential. The League supports policies and programs at all levels of the community and government that promote the wellbeing, encourage the full development and ensure the safety of all children. These include: child abuse/neglect prevention; teen pregnancy prevention; quality health care, including nutrition and prenatal care; early childhood education; developmental services, emphasizing children ages 0-3; family support services; violence prevention. Public Postsecondary Education - Adopted January 1985, updated June 2018 The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes the primary goal of Oregon’s public postsecondary education should be to provide a broad spectrum of higher education for professional, vocational, and personal enrichment. Individuals with higher levels of education are more likely to have rewarding careers, earn higher wages, and make positive contributions to their community. Through sustaining equitable access and a seamless path from preK to postsecondary education, more Oregon students will prosper. Postsecondary Education System Oregon needs a strong, high-quality system of higher education: Oregon’s postsecondary institutions have distinct missions and goals and should be evaluated based upon how each institution’s goals are met. The State General Fund should give high priority to financial aid for students and general operating funds. Capital construction should come from other sources, including bonding, rather than the General Fund. In order to attract and retain quality faculty, salaries and research opportunities should be appropriately competitive. It is imperative in our institutions that we have good fiscal management and accountability for the funding provided. For the most effective use of state educational resources, state public institutions should cooperate and coordinate programs resulting in: Consistent statewide standards, and Easy transfer of credit between schools. If state funding necessitates limiting access, such limitation should consider equity as well as academic achievement and financial need. Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) HECC should place priority on: Providing one strategic vision for higher education in Oregon; Developing biennial budget recommendations for public postsecondary education in Oregon and making funding allocations to Oregon’s public community colleges and public universities; and Developing standards for programs such as dual credit, transfer, and credit for prior learning. HECC’s role should be to facilitate system high priorities while allowing as much autonomy as possible within each institution. Community Colleges The primary role of community colleges should be in the areas of: Workforce and vocational-technical training; Developmental education (e.g. high school equivalency, English language learning); Lower division college courses that prepare students for an associate’s degree or transfer to university; and Hobby and recreation courses have a secondary role and must be self-supporting, as defined by statute. If state funding necessitates limiting access, such limitation should consider equity as well as financial need. Independent Governing Boards Cooperation and coordination should be emphasized by all Oregon public postsecondary education institutions and governing boards. The performance of independent boards at each institution should be monitored to ensure that they are responsive to the institution’s needs and the needs of the state as a whole. Oregon State System of Higher Education (OSSHE) For the most effective use of state educational resources, OSSHE institutions should cooperate and coordinate programs resulting in: Consistent statewide standards. Easy transfer of credit between schools. If state funding for OSSHE institutions necessitates limiting access, such limitation should be: Academic, e.g. entrance requirements. Financial limitation is the least desirable. Oregon needs a strong, high-quality system of higher education. State funding must reflect this need, and high priority should be given to providing sufficient funds to improve the general excellence of the state system. In order to attract and retain quality faculty, salaries and research opportunities should be appropriately competitive. Adequate funding should also be provided to ensure complete, up-to-date libraries and to maintain or upgrade the physical plants at all of our colleges and universities. It is imperative that in our institutions we have good fiscal management accountability for the funding provided. League members feel that the roles and interrelationships of the present regional colleges, specialized institutions, and research universities are properly balanced. Oregon State University and the University of Oregon should remain comprehensive research universities. Portland State University should be allowed to expand gradually. Community Colleges The primary role of community colleges should be in the areas of: Vocational-technical training; Developmental education (e.g. high school equivalency, English as a second language); Lower division college courses. Community adult education (hobby and recreation courses) should have a secondary role and must be self-supporting as defined by statute. Community colleges should maintain an open door policy. If funding necessitates limiting access: Such limitation should be geographic, i.e. higher tuition for out-of-district students; Academic or financial limitations are the least desirable. State funding for community colleges should be according to the formulas set by the 1961 legislation. Local control must be maintained because it affords the community colleges the necessary flexibility to respond to local needs. Boards and Commissions Cooperation and coordination should be emphasized by all Oregon public postsecondary education institutions and governing boards. The current boards dealing with education, the Board of Education, and the Board of Higher Education need no structural change. The League does not favor the creation of a new education governing body Editor’s note: for K-12 education, see Fiscal Policy Position, School District Financing. Farmworker Issues - Adopted January 2001 T he League of Women Voters of Oregon believes all citizens benefit from the agricultural bounty produced by Oregon’s farmers and farmworkers, and that the state has a role in supporting the sound and fair relationship between farmers and the agricultural workforce, with the goal of economic and social justice for both parties. LWVOR believes the state must work for the humane and respectful treatment of workers as well as the viability of Oregon farms. Currently laws that regulate the working environment for agricultural workers are different from laws regulating the working conditions in other industries. The LWVOR believes the differences between agriculture and other industries justify some variance; but where farm work is similar to other labor, regulatory differences should be narrowed. All farmworkers should be fairly compensated, earning at least minimum wage. With the possible exception of piece-rate work, some farm labor should be eligible for overtime pay. Unemployment insurance should cover permanent, year-round farmworkers. Hourly-paid farmworkers should receive paid rest breaks; all farmworkers should be provided adequate time away from work for meals. The state should continue to improve the safety of agricultural workplaces for farmworkers. Rules for child labor and for the use of farm and forestry labor contractors should maintain high standards of worker protections. State laws and programs, including non-governmental efforts, should address farmworkers’ needs for a broad range of services, such as child care, safe and decent housing, sanitary working and living conditions, and access to education and health care. Education programs that are bilingual and culturally appropriate should be offered to assure that workers understand safe work practices, workplace rules, and grievance procedures. LWVOR supports the right of Oregon farmworkers to collectively bargain. Farmworkers should have the right to hold union elections. Employer retaliation for collective activity should be prohibited. Legislation establishing fair rules for unionization by farmworkers should be developed through a dialogue between workers and employers. Monitoring of union elections and contracts by either a private commission or a state entity should be fair and under terms agreeable to both workers and employers. Mediation programs should be encouraged. LWVOR believes consistent and adequate enforcement of state regulations is a key to better conditions for farmworkers. Currently, we find enforcement to be inadequate and inconsistent. LWVOR supports increasing enforcement staff, increasing fines and penalties for serious violations, and collection of civil penalties for infractions of laws. LWVOR supports programs to help farmers understand and comply with worker protection rules. LWVOR believes that safe, decent, and affordable housing should be available to all farmworkers. Oregon currently has an acute shortage of such housing for its agricultural workforce. LWVOR supports increased state funding for farmworker housing, including support, with other funds, for planning, development costs, rural infrastructure, startup costs, operating subsidies, emergency housing, and training and assistance for sponsoring organizations. The state has an important role in ensuring the safety of farmworker housing provided on farms. Such housing that has not been registered with the state should be located and brought into compliance with state standards. Public funding should emphasize best practices, such as community-based housing, and should encourage new models that are decent and safe housing alternatives for seasonal and for permanent, year round workers; these two groups may require different types of housing. Gun Safety - National Position Statement of Position on Gun Control, as Adopted by 1990 Convention and amended by the 1994 and 1998 Conventions: The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that the proliferation of handguns and semi-automatic assault weapons in the United States is a major health and safety threat to its citizens. The League supports strong federal measures to limit the accessibility and regulate the ownership of these weapons by private citizens. The League supports regulating firearms for consumer safety. The League supports licensing procedures for gun ownership by private citizens to include a waiting period for background checks, personal identity verification, gun safety education and annual license renewal. The license fee should be adequate to bear the cost of education and verification. The League supports a ban on “Saturday night specials,” enforcement of strict penalties for the improper possession of and crimes committed with handguns and assault weapons, and allocation of resources to better regulate and monitor gun dealers. Health Policy Adult Mental Health in Oregon - Adopted January 1987; Educational Update 2001*; language update 2008** The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports a comprehensive and integrated adult mental health services delivery system in Oregon which: Includes both community and state programs and facilities; Provides for coordination of local and state mental health planning based on regular needs assessments; Provides funding by a coordinated mix of federal, state, local, and private sector dollars; and Includes state budget allocations that reflect service priorities jointly determined by Community Mental Health Programs and the state Addictions and Mental Health Division. The League supports the concept of care, treatment, and support in the least restrictive environment possible which: Ensures continuity of care and humaneness; and Balances the rights and safety of individuals with mental disorders, other interested parties, and society in general. The League believes that the mental health delivery system should include: Adults with: Mental and emotional illness; and Alcohol and drug addiction. Services that focus on recovery of the individual through use of evidence-based crisis intervention and ongoing support. These services could include alternatives to hospitalization, early intervention, residential services, supportive housing, and services delivered by peers in sufficient mix and quantity to afford an acceptable quality of life for consumers and their families. Mental health service providers, administrators, advocates, consumers, their families, and lay citizens as participants in: Service delivery planning; The evaluation of services; and The provision of community education. 4. The League supports an adult mental health civil commitment process which: Ensures statewide consistency in the application of commitment statutes; Provides for adequate and equitable investigation and examination; and Protects the rights and needs of all interested parties. *Updated 2001 for background information only—no position change. **Updated 2008 for language changes only in the position statement—no position change. Mental Health Services for Children and Youth - Adopted January 1975 The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports a coordinated plan for comprehensive mental health services for all levels of need to children and youth provided under the direction of a single state service agency responsible for basic state standards. We support the appropriation of consistent and sufficient funds to implement state-mandated programs. A well-coordinated comprehensive mental health service delivery plan should cover such concerns as: Community level services that are accessible, visible, and available to all income levels through a graduated fee schedule; Community level programs that provide early diagnostic and referral services, 24-hour emergency care, treatment services and facilities, aftercare, and follow-up care; The development of preventive programs; Coordination of all levels of government and all public and private agencies working with children; Standards of training for all personnel appropriate to job placement; Consistent state funds supplemented by all available resources, public and private; Utilization of all local resources; Basic state standards which encourage quality treatment and care while permitting alternative programs. The League of Women Voters further supports consistent and sufficient state funds for special education programs in the public school, including: Programs based upon the child’s individual needs; Special training for teachers working with disturbed children. Physical Health Care National Position: Promote a health care system for the United States that provides access to a basic level of quality care for all U.S. residents and controls health care costs. Homeless Youth - Adopted 2007 Parents are legally responsible for their children. When parents are unable to fulfill that responsibility, the League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that communities and governments at all levels have a responsibility to provide programs and services to meet the needs of runaway and homeless youth. In order to help families stay together, prevent youth homelessness, and reduce the need for more expensive future services, the LWVOR supports providing services such as family crisis counseling, child care, parenting education, mental health and addiction treatment, low-cost housing, and health care. When youth are separated from their families, the LWVOR supports providing services to these youth, such as shelter, food, education, health care, mental health and addiction treatment, plus outreach to encourage youth to use services. Older youth need additional services, such as assistance with independent living skills and with finding employment and more permanent housing. These services may be provided by government or by private organizations that receive government and/or private funding. Coordination of these services is necessary to avoid duplication and service gaps. Youth should be served regardless of their race, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. All levels of government should have funding responsibility for preventive and supportive services to families and homeless youth. Private organizations are encouraged to provide funding and services. Government funds should be adequate and allocated according to demonstrated need. Agencies must show that their programs are effective. Housing National Position Criteria for Housing Supply: The following considerations can be applied to programs and policies to provide a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family: The responsibility for achieving national housing goals rests primarily with the federal government, which should: Assure that our economic system is functioning to produce and maintain sufficient decent housing for citizens at all income levels; Compensate for any failure or inadequacy of the system by building, financing, renting and selling homes to those citizens whose housing needs are not being met; Give a variety of incentives to local jurisdictions to encourage them to provide within their boundaries an adequate supply of decent housing for low- and moderate-income groups; Withhold federal funds from communities that fail to encourage such housing. State and local governments should assist by establishing effective agencies to aid, promote, coordinate and supplement the housing programs of the federal government and the private sector. Government at all levels must make available sufficient funds for housing-assistance programs. When families or individuals cannot afford decent housing, government should provide assistance in the form of income and/or subsidized housing. Government programs providing subsidies to the building, financing and insuring industries for housing for lower-income families should be evaluated in terms of units produced rather than in terms of benefits accruing to these industries. Government at all levels should develop policies that will assure sufficient land at reasonable cost on which to develop housing and that will assure fulfillment of other goals such as access to employment, preservation of open space, environmental cleanliness and beauty, and other aspects of a suitable living environment. Regional and metropolitan planning should be promoted to prevent haphazard urban growth, and housing for low- and moderate-income families should be provided as apart of all planned neighborhoods or communities. Lower-income families should not be segregated in large developments or neighborhoods. As their economic status improves, lower-income families should be enabled to continue to live in the same units as private tenants or as homeowners, if they are so inclined. Housing should be designed to meet human needs and should be built with amenities that will encourage economic integration within apartment buildings as well as neighborhoods. Publicly assisted housing should be included in viable, balanced communities, with provision for quality public services and facilities, including schools, transportation, recreation, etc., that will encourage integration and stability. Zoning practices and procedures that will counteract racial and economic isolation should be promoted. State and local governments should adopt and enforce: Uniform building codes with standards based on performance; Housing codes to protect the health and safety of all citizens. State and local tax structures should be examined and revised to: Benefit communities that build housing for lower-income families; Encourage private owners to improve their homes; Reduce speculative land costs. Government, industry and labor should encourage innovative building techniques to reduce the cost of housing production. Rights of tenants to negotiate for proper maintenance, management of facilities and services should be protected. Housing programs should be administered by individuals trained for the jobs and sympathetic with the needs of their clientele. Citizen groups should participate in the development of publicly assisted housing programs by: Evaluating performance; Activating nonprofit sponsorships; Supporting legislation; Developing public awareness of housing discrimination and need. Juvenile Justice - Adopted March 1981; Educational Update 2000* The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes in coordinated planning and implementation of juvenile services. Prevention of juvenile crimes should be a priority in our society. Prevention programs should: Be available from early childhood to adulthood; Involve family, peers, schools, and the community; Make available early diagnosis and treatment for physical, mental, and educational problems; Make available opportunities for all youth to learn responsibility and positive self-images in their own communities; and Make available opportunities for learning parenting skills. Services for juvenile offenders should: Be responsive to the needs of the youth and his or her family; Make diversion programs available prior to entry as well as during involvement in the juvenile justice system; Emphasize community planned and operated programs, including youth restitution programs; Deal with youth offenders in the least restrictive environment; Provide treatment-oriented secure custody; Include appropriate evaluation, treatment, and placement for those already in the system. The League opposes holding juveniles in adult jails. If appropriate alternatives are not available, care must be taken to assure that juveniles are out of sight and sound of incarcerated adults. Status offenders should be diverted from the juvenile justice system whenever possible. The League opposes holding status offenders in jail under any conditions. Social services outside the juvenile justice system should be developed to meet their needs. The juvenile court may be needed to provide help and protection for some youth. Basic standards for juvenile services should rest with the state. Minimal federal standards are acceptable. Local governments should have flexibility for implementing programs consistent with these standards. Funding for Juvenile services should be consistent and dependable from all sources: Local, state, federal, and private; Include parental ability to pay; Any level of government mandating services should provide substantial funding for those services. There should be a uniform statewide data system that provides meaningful and retrievable information while complying with right-to-privacy laws. *Updated for background information only – no position change. Women’s Issues LWVOR uses several LWVUS positions relating to women in supporting and opposing specific legislative proposals, statewide initiatives and community activities. The positions include: The League of Women Voters of the United States believes in the individual liberties guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States. The League is convinced that rights now protected by the Constitution should not be weakened or abridged. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that public policy in a pluralistic society must affirm the constitutional right of privacy of the individual to make reproductive choices. The League supports “equal rights for all regardless of sex.” The League further believes that governments at all levels share the responsibility to provide equality of opportunity for education, employment and housing for all persons regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability. The League supports programs and policies to prevent or reduce poverty and to promote self-sufficiency for individuals and families, including quality of health care, income assistance, housing and public transportation access.

/ Member Handbook / Member Handbook This resource will acquaint new and existing members with League principles and processes so you can take full advantage of the opportunities of membership. Contents are linked below. MISSION STATEMENT HISTORY NONPARTISANSHIP VOTING MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS CONVENTIONS AND COUNCILS FINANCE VOTER EDUCATION ACTION COMMUNITY INFORMATION PROGRAM PUBLICATIONS LEAGUE LANGUAGE INDEX Membership Organization Principles and Action Program Finance MISSION STATEMENT The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. HISTO RY Carrie Chapman Catt and others organized the League of Women Voters of the United States in 1920. The League of Women Voters of Oregon was also founded in 1920. The League’s first goal was to teach women how to exercise their new right to vote; the scope was soon enlarged to include service to all citizens. Political action based on knowledge gained from study became the cornerstone of the League’s diverse agenda. NONPARTISANSHIP The League never supports or opposes any political party or candidate for elective office. Because of scrupulous adherence to this nonpartisan political policy, the League takes action only in the public interest and only on issues on which members have reached agreement after conducting studies. However, as individuals, League members are encouraged to join fully in the political process. VOTING MEMBERSHIP Membership in the League of Women Voters is open to people of all genders, age 16 and up. The League of Women Voters works on local, state and national levels. At all levels, members have a voice in what will be studied, what action will be taken, how League money will be spent, and who League leaders will be. The League is a grassroots organization, and members are dedicated to local Leagues as the foundation for local, state and national impact. The League of Women Voters Education Fund, created to strengthen League activities in education and voter service, functions under the auspices of the League of Women Voters, but legally exists as a discrete organization. Contributions to the Education Fund can be considered tax‐deductible. The Education Fund never advocates and never lobbies. MEETINGS Each local League determines its own schedule and meets typically nine times a year. A meeting for all members is usually called a General Meeting. The membership may divide into smaller groups, called units, which meet for discussion. Units are effective for different interest groups or when members are scattered over a large geographic area. Members meet to study and to discuss issues such as voting rights, land use, taxes, water resources, human needs, international trade and issues of local concern. All League meetings are open to the public. Each local League holds an Annual Meeting to elect officers, set local dues, and adopt local programs, bylaws and budget. All members can and should attend the Annual Meeting. CONVENTIONS AND COUNCILS The national Convention—for the League of Women Voters of the United States—is held biennially in even‐numbered years, with Washington D.C. the location every other national Convention. Delegates are elected by local Leagues in numbers proportionate to their membership. Any voting member of the League is eligible to serve as a Convention delegate. Observers and guests may attend but not vote. Delegates debate and vote on program, budget, financial support, and bylaws. They elect officers for the next biennium. The national Council is held in odd‐numbered years. Voting members include two delegates from each state plus the national Board of Directors. The League of Women Voters of Oregon holds its Convention in odd‐numbered years and Council in even‐numbered years, using similar rules. FINANCE League is a nonprofit organization that must have adequate financing to operate and to achieve its goals. Local Leagues adopt budgets to support local, state and national activities. Financial support comes from members, non‐members and the community at large. Dues are a major income factor in local League budgets. Each local League decides the amount of dues and the method for collecting them. Dues can be paid on the membership anniversary or at the beginning of the fiscal year. A large portion of the dues, called Per Member Payment or PMP, supports state and national League mission. The League conducts fundraising campaigns at every level to augment income from dues. Dues are only tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law for League nonprofit status determined by the IRS. VOTER EDUCATION The League of Women Voters of Oregon qualifies as a 501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code and may accept tax‐deductible contributions. In part, these funds are used for Voter Service activities and balanced, impartial information on governmental issues, study guides, surveys, research projects and litigation in the public interest. The League of Women Voters believes in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States. The League of Women Voters believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government. The League of Women Voters believes government should be responsive to the will of the people in the following ways. Government should: ● maintain an equitable and flexible system of taxation; ● promote the conservation and development of natural resources in the public interest; ● share in the solution of economic and social problems which affect the general welfare; ● promote a sound economy; ● adopt domestic policies that facilitate the solution of international problems. The League encourages citizens to register, vote, and take part in government and politics. League members register voters, sponsor candidates and issue forums or debates, and provide information about voting. The LWVOR Voters’ Guide is an important resource for state elections. It provides objective, balanced election information and does not state League positions. The Voters’ Guide is available in many formats including easy‐to‐read, Spanish, Internet, large‐print and audio. We also coordinate a statewide mock election for K‐ 12 schools to help students learn the importance of participating in democracy. Rights of US Residents The League of Women Voters believes that: ● every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; ● every person should have access to free public education which provides equal opportunity for all; ● no person or group should suffer legal, economic or administrative discrimination. The League of Women Voters believes that democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of the proposed actions, holding open meetings and making public records accessible. World Citizenship The League of Women Voters believes that cooperation with other nations is essential in the search for solutions to world problems, and that the development of international organizations and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace. ACTION After reaching an agreement and announcing a position, local, state, or national Leagues take action by: ● working with other organizations (coalitions); ● speaking out through letter‐writing and e‐mail campaigns and through visits to legislators and public officials (based on our positions, we support or oppose legislation, ballot measures, etc.); ● testifying at legislative and administrative hearings; ● monitoring elections and other government activities; ● litigating to help clarify laws in the public interest. The League sends observers to meetings of local, regional, state and national government bodies. Observers do not speak for the League but attend meetings to listen, to learn, and to make factual reports. COMMUNITY INFORMATION Educating Oregonians about government and relevant state and local issues is a major League activity. Through community handbooks, political directories, and factual studies of issues, the League provides unbiased information necessary for an informed electorate. Community organizations often call upon the League for speakers on selected topics about government. PROGRAM Annual Program Planning League program at every level consists of those issues members choose for concentrated study and action. At each year’s program planning meeting, members discuss ideas for local and state or national program topics or studies. Deciding What to Study Proposals are submitted to the appropriate Board of Directors. The Board then considers the proposals, formulates a recommended program, and presents it to the membership at the Annual Meeting of the local League or to the delegates at the state or national Convention. Not‐recommended items can also be considered at each level. Such issues must fall within League principles and must be ones on which government action can be taken. Final decisions on state and national programs are made by a vote of the delegates to the respective Convention. The Study Process Once a study has been adopted, the Board appoints a chairperson of the “resource” or study committee and other members are solicited to serve on the committee. The resource committee gathers information on the study item, analyzes information, clarifies issues, and identifies problems. The committee presents all sides of the issue to members. The study may include tours, guest speakers, interviews and other activities. When the study has been completed, a report is published. Formulating a League Position Before the League can act, members must agree in broad terms on various aspects of the issue. To formulate a position, or statement of action, the League takes consensus. Consensus, or agreement, is reached through group discussion. Mem‐ bers come to an overall “sense of the group” as expressed through the exchange of ideas and opinions. It is from this agreement that the League formulates a position statement for action. League positions can also be reached through concurrence, or agreeing with a proposed statement. League members or Boards can concur with recommendations or a statement from a task force, a resource committee, a unit group, or any League Board. PUBLICATIONS League publications are important tools for carrying out our purpose. They are researched, written and distributed by members at every level. The League provides its materials free of charge to members, and in most cases, to the public. Aside from program study reports and Voters’ Guides mentioned earlier, other publications include member newsletters published locally, nationally, and at the state level (usually titled The Voter, although some local Leagues have their own titles), the Legislative Report (a statewide e‐ newsletter published during legislative sessions), and the National League’s email member newsletters. Other publications include annual reports, study report summaries, presentations, websites, and more. In order to accommodate a diversity of needs, items are published in multiple formats, including audio, and online. LEAGUE LANGUAGE INDEX Arranged alphabetically by topic Membership Voting Members US citizens at least 16 years old who have paid dues or who are Life Members. Members At State Members who do not reside within the geographic area of a local League, and choose to pay League dues for membership at the state level. Household Membership Two or more members at the same address; one person pays full dues and each additional person pays half the amount. Life Members Those who have belonged to League for 50 or more years and no longer pay dues. Associate Members Members under 16 or non-citizens who have paid dues. Organization Board Administrative body consisting of officers plus elected and appointed directors. Education Fund A separate organization established by the League to accept tax-deductible contributions, the funds of which can be used only for educational or Voter Service activities, such as a League study or Voters’ Guide. Nonpartisan Describes the League’s policy of not supporting or opposing political parties or candidates. Portfolio The specific program or administrative responsibility of a Board member, such as international relations, land use or public relations. Many League Boards are moving away from the portfolio system, with Board members assuming responsibilities as necessary. Units Small discussion groups. Not all Leagues use units. They work well in larger Leagues or those spread over a large geographic area. Principles and Action Governance One of the four areas in which the League studies and acts. Governance refers to the workings of the three branches of government, especially state legislatures and Congress, where laws are made. It includes taxation and other financial matters of the state or nation. International Relations The relationship of our country to other nations in trade, peacekeeping, the United Nations, etc. This is the second major area of League concern. Local Item A topic of concern and possible action in the city or county of a local League. Natural Resources A third major area of League interest. It includes air and water quality, land use, energy, transportation, and waste disposal. Social Policy The fourth area of concern to League members. Social policy covers education, health, housing, corrections, issues affecting women and children, human rights and civil liberties. Program Concurrence General agreement of League members to a statement of position written by the Board or other group at any level of League. Concurrence is often used to update an existing position. Consensus General agreement of League members following thorough study and discussion. League positions are based on member consensus. Observers League members who attend and monitor meetings of government councils, boards and commissions. Position A statement of beliefs of League members on a particular issue, reached by consensus or concurrence of members after thorough study and discussion. The position is adopted by the appropriate board, according to the level at which the study was done (local, state, or national). Action, pro or con, is carried out on the basis of positions from any level of League. Study The process of researching and analyzing an issue from all sides. Finance PMP Per Member Payment—monetary support for the state and national Leagues as decided by Convention delegates. mission history nonpartisan votingmembers meetings conventioncouncil finance votereducation action communityinfo program publications leaguelingo memberhip organization action program finance2

LAASYA KANAMATHA (she/her) LAASYA KANAMATHA (she/her) DEIJ Youth Chair youthoutreach@lwvor.org

/ Youth / Youth Resources / Youth Resources Grants, Scholarships, and Internships Grants and Scholarships Youth Scholarships - Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) United States Senate Youth Program - State of Oregon Internships Youth Council Internship - League of Women Voters of Maine National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC) Other Resources The Flip Museum Oregon Kid Governor Oregon Civics Bee

The Oregon Student Mock Election is open to all students and educators. Learn more. Announcing the Winners of the Promote the Vote Poster Contest The results are in! Learn More / Youth / Girl Scouts / ✨ LWVOR and the Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington are collaborating to promote leadership and democracy! Learning to be a leader at the ballot box and in our communities Excitement is brewing with our new national partnership between Girl Scouts and the League of Women Voters . The Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington and LWVOR are collaborating to promote leadership and democracy. Together we will build relationships with Girl Scouts who can earn Citizen and Democracy badges and much more! Connect Leagues and Girl Scouts Girl Scouts troop leaders can connect with LWVOR resources here. Local Leagues and Units can appoint a Girl Scout liaison to receive communications from Voter Girl. Together we can develop creative, meaningful and fun avenues for Girl Scouts connections! Request Information Here! Printable Flyer ✨Contact Us If your League or Girl Scout troop wants to get involved, please contact the LWVOR Girl Scouts-Voter Girl Coordinator: votergirl [@] lwvor.org Sign Up For Email We Need Your Support Today! Donate Your donation empowers voters and defends democracy.

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

LILY YAO (she/her) LILY YAO (she/her) Youth Council President Lily attends South Eugene High School where she is actively involved in student government, competes in Speech and Debate, and plays varsity tennis and club Ultimate. As an environmental advocate, Lily has served as a regional leader intern with Our Future, a project of Partners for Sustainable Schools that has aimed to create a statewide, student-led climate justice network since 2022. At the same time, in roles as a City of Eugene Sustainability Commissioner and member of the Eugene Youth Advisory Council, she seeks to educate herself and others about the climate while becoming more civically aware. Similarly, as a founding member of the Lane County delegation of the Oregon YMCA Youth and Government program, she has had the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience advocating for policy solutions and participating in government simulations of the legislative process, which has further sparked her interest in civics education. Alongside her commitment to environmental issues, Lily is passionate about disaster preparedness. In her role as a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 10 Youth Preparedness Council, she has educated youth in her local community and collaborated with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to promote disaster resilience. Her experience includes presenting at the 2024 Oregon Prepared: Emergency Preparedness Workshop, hosted by OEM, and as a panelist with Resource Tap Disaster Support Services at the 2024 Public Interest Environmental Law Conference, the largest and oldest conference of its kind. In addition to her advocacy work, Lily believes in promoting cultural diversity and understanding. In addition to English, she speaks both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese and is involved in various efforts to foster inclusivity and celebrate cultural heritage. This has included acting as a Mainstage Production Assistant for the Oregon Asian Celebration. Her commitment to bridging cultural gaps, as well as her passion for S.T.E.M., are demonstrated by her selection as a 2024 TechGirls Finalist. This year, Lily is taking on the role of Co-Voter Strategist with the League of Women Voters of Oregon Youth Council. She is dedicated to empowering young voters and increasing voter turnout among young people. In serving on the Youth Council, Lily hopes to learn more about the civic process, reach out to her community, and advocate for voters across Oregon. youthpresident@lwvor.org

ABBY RENNER (she/her) ABBY RENNER (she/her) YC Climate Team Coordinator youthoutreach@lwvor.org

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 5/22 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency Priority Bills I-5 Bridge Project Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… Oregon Global Warming Commission ** Action Needed: Please contact your State Senator and Representative to encourage them to support the following Climate, Energy and Environmental Justice related Bills. Funds are available, the recent May revenue forecast provides historical funding opportunities across all policy areas. ** Climate Priority Bills By Claudia Keith The Republican walkout put most of these bills at risk. The CE priority bills had minimal activity in the last month. Most have already moved to JW&Ms. Find additional background in previous LR (report)s on the six CE priorities. 1. Resilient Buildings (RB) policy package: Bills are now in JW&M. The League is an active RB coalition partner. Link to League testimonies: SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 . · SB 868 A staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions · SB 869 A staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions · SB 870 A Staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions · SB 871 A staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions 2. SB 530A : Natural and Working Lands is in JW&Ms. The League continues to be an active coalition member. Fiscal . Staff Measure Summary 3. Environmental Justice (EJ) 2023 bills: SB 907 A ‘Right to Refuse Dangerous work’ currently House Desk - Third Reading. The committee public hearing was on May 10 in House B&L. The work session was 5/17, bill moved to House Desk with 6,0,5,0 do pass vote. Here is the May 9 LWVOR testimony . The Bill has Minimal Fiscal Impact. The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition on 2/13. SB 593 is one of two bills the League will follow and support. SB 907 amendment -6 staff measure summary. 4/4 work session, moved to the floor with do pass with amendments, a unanimous vote. SB 907 Coalition Letter - LWVOR one of many organizations. 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 A staff measure summary , fisca l, 4/4 Work Session moved, with 4/1 vote to JW&Ms. 5. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/reductions (DEQ) and new clean renewable energy (DEQ & DOE), OHA public health, and ODOT (Dept of Transportation) policy and funding bills including state agency budget bills. (POPS and current service level spending). 6. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget * was published January 31; Kotek’s budget priorities . On May 17 the Governor's budget / May forecast press release did not mention the Climate Package topic. There is still some discussion concerning using available funds versus issuing additional state bonds for capital construction projects. We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ) and will add climate items to (DEQ) HB 5018 League 3/30 testimony . In both cases, our testimony requested additional agency requests not included in the Governor’s January budget. Other CE Bills that are still alive By Claudia Keith and Greg Martin The House passed HB 3550A by a vote of 34-23. It would require all light-duty vehicles a state agency buys or leases after 1/1/2025 to be Zero Emissions Vehicles unless the agency finds that a ZEV is not feasible for the vehicle's specific use. This includes police and fire vehicles among others exempted by current law. It also would require the Office of Administrative Services to replace diesel with biofuel or biofuel-derived electricity in all generation facilities or machinery the agency installs or operates, to the maximum extent economically feasible. Senate E&E passed HB 3179-A 7, 3-0 (Lieber excused, Hayden absent) to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation on 5/18. The bill would double the maximum allowable acreage for solar photovoltaic power generation facility siting in the context of county land-use planning, allowing counties to approve more and larger solar projects while preserving existing protections for land use and wildlife. The -A7 requires a land use permit applicant for a renewable energy facility to provide a decommissioning plan to restore the site to "a useful, nonhazardous condition," assured by bonding or other security. HB 2763 A Creates a State Public Bank Task Force, League Testimony . Like the 2022 session RB task force, a 23-member Task Force is required to recommend no later than January 2024. “ The report must include a recommendation for a governing structure for a public bank.” This policy topic will likely have a bill in the 2024 session -1 staff measure summary . Moved on 3/14 with recommendation to JW&Ms with - 1 amendment. Fiscal HB 3016 A , community green infrastructure, moved to JW&Ms unanimously. Legislative -2 Staff Measure Summary . HB 3196A – Fees from Community Climate Investment funds -– League support HB 3166 A — Whole-home Retrofits and High-efficiency Electric Home Rebates –– League support HB 3056 A –– Extends Residential Heat Pump Fund until to January 2, 2026 –– League support HB3181 A — Energy Siting process. Fisca l. Staff Summary Currently in JWM. HB2990A Resilience Community Hubs, Fiscal , Staff Summary Interstate 5 (I-5) Bridge Project By Claudia Keith R’s have an issue with I-5 bridge funding recommendation, see recent Rep Boshart-Davis newsletter. A new I-5 bridge bill is in progress. HB 2098 had amendments posted on 5/17 but this bill is likely dead. (See Joint Transportation committee) Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast was released May 17. The JW&M-recommended budget will use the May forecast to balance the budget. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has continued to ignore the recommended SEC Climate Risk disclosure proposed rule. Analysis: SEC.gov | Remarks at the 2023 SEC Municipal Securities Disclosure Conference , The Need for Climate Risk Disclosures: Emerging trends in ESG governance for 2023 | Harvard. See supportive SEC disclosure LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury/Treasurer Tobias Read will assist with addressing the IRA $27B Federal funds, contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank. Up To $27B Available for NPO Clean Energy Activities . | TNPT. Oregon Pers Performance : Returns for periods ending MAR-2023 Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund. The Oregon Investment Council will meet May 31, agenda and meeting materials not yet posted. The Council met April 19; see meeting packet ; no 4/19 minutes posted yet. The April packet includes the March meeting minutes. ESG investing continues to be addressed. Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… By Claudia Keith Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are a number of active state and federal lawsuits , (May 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 64 lawsuits , mentioning OREGON. Youth lawsuit challenging Montana's pro-fossil fuel policies is heading to trial | AP News. The challenges and promises of climate lawsuits | KnowableMag.org . Supreme Court deals blow to oil companies by turning away climate cases | NBC News Oregon Global Warming Commission By Greg Martin ODOE's legislative update touched on known points, including speculation about a special budget session in the event the Senate doesn't reconvene, and a possible omnibus climate bill. Other updates: ODOE's electric grid resilience open house s (in person and virtual) were held May 23 and 24. OHA began rulemaking on its Healthy Homes grant program in April and hopes to issue grants to eligible third-party organizations by the end of this year. The program was created by HB 2842 in 2021, with LWVOR’s support, to help low-income households repair and rehabilitate their dwellings to address climate and other environmental hazards. This program is an important pathway to leverage state funds to complement available federal funds. ODOE staff outlined upcoming work on the Climate Pollution Reduction Planning Grant program – $5 billion funding opportunity created by the IRA to help states, local governments, tribes, and territories develop plans for reducing GHG emissions and other harmful air pollution. Phase 1, development of state planning grants = $250 million ($3 million per state plus $1 million for each major MSA, $TBD for tribal governments). Phase 2 = $4.6 billion (competitive) for implementing state plans. Oregon has applied for planning funds, must submit its Priority Climate Action Plan by 3/1/2024 and Comprehensive Climate Action Plan by summer-fall 2025. Critical brief window in March 2024 — states will have 1 month to submit applications for implementation grants per EPA solicitation (RFP). OGWC’s Roadmap to 2030, already developed, may give OR a leg up on most other states — will build on that with input from across state government, local governments, community organizations, and tribes. Environmental Quality Commission Meeting By Greg Martin At the May 18 meeting, DEQ staff updated the commission on various legislative and regulatory topics. Link to Meeting agenda and materials Climate and resilience-related highlights follow. Air quality/GHG emissions: • EPA has posted its proposed new emission standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles and held public hearings. Written comments are due July 5. The standards starting with model year 2027 are expected to align more closely with California standards that Oregon recently adopted. • In March, DEQ launched a pre-approval process for the Charge Ahead program of ZEV rebates. Low- and moderate-income Oregonians who prequalify can present vouchers for ZEV purchases at auto dealerships. Unfortunately, the program has been suspended because funding to continue it ( HB 2613 ) is stalled in the Joint Transportation Committee. Legislative and budget updates: Legislators will have more money to work with than they thought but the backlog of bills in W&M is very large. DEQ staff expressed optimism that their bills will begin to emerge from W&M though not necessarily at the requested funding levels. Item C: Budget and Legislative Updates (Informational) DEQ will provide updates on the 2023 Legislative Session, including bills under consideration, and DEQ’s budget process. Item C presentation slides ) Fuel tank seismic stability rulemaking: SB 1567 , enacted in 2022 and supported by LWVOR , requires EQC to adopt rules for fuel terminal owners along the Willamette River to retrofit their facilities to withstand a magnitude 9 earthquake. Owners must develop individual risk mitigation plans, and DEQ must develop a risk mitigation implementation program through rulemaking. RAC meetings ended in April with approval of draft rules and impact statements. DEQ will post the rules for public comment in June and expects to propose final draft rules for EQC consideration in September. Implementation is to be completed in 10 years. ( Item D: Fuel Tank Seismic Stability rulemaking (Informational) DEQ will provide updates regarding a rulemaking under development for seismic stability, as directed in legislation regarding fuel tank seismic stability requirements. The commission will be asked to take action on a proposed rulemaking later in 2023. Item D presentation slides ) Volunteers Urgently Needed By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy areas: · Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA · Greenhouse Gas Emission Mitigation and Renewable Energy · Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust · Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) · Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) · State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) · CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets · Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

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

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

SHERIDAN SCHILLING (she/her) SHERIDAN SCHILLING (she/her) Youth Council Vice-President Sheridan is currently attending Winston Churchill High School, where she serves as an active member of student government in her elected position as Secretary. In Eugene, she volunteers at local charities and non-profit organizations and serves as the Student Representative for Churchill High School to the 4j School Board. Sheridan is a member of Youth Rotary Club, Book Club, and National Honor Society, and YMCA Youth and Government. She participates in local school district events and is actively involved in League activities. Additionally, Sheridan works closely with school administration to ensure student voice is heard. She is passionate about encouraging young people to participate in government. In the future, she intends to study political science before attending medical school. Outside of school, Sheridan enjoys traveling, reading, and playing golf. Through leading workshops, voter registration events and legislative advocacy, she hopes to welcome youth further into the democratic process. She is excited to advocate for voters across Oregon as a member of the LWVOR Youth Council. youthcrew@lwvor.org

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 2/27 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Carbon Investments Clean Energy Carbon Investments By Anne Nesse Informative hearings were held concerning our State Treasury, and a proposed plan to decrease carbon-intensive investments in favor of a cleaner energy economy. On Thursday, 2/16, LWVOR submitted written testimony on HB 2601 . I delayed posting this, as our virtual testimony was delayed, due to the number of persons testifying, and then delayed due to the winter storms. The committee chair has promised to hear all previously registered virtual testimony. A copy of our written testimony is linked here . Rep. Pham, a Chief Sponsor of the Bill, presented a convincing case for support, recorded here . Her testimony included graphs on the increased performance of non-fossil fuel related stocks, creating increased returns for our State Treasury, and increased PERS benefits. Rep. Pham ended with the statement that current fossil free investments are showing returns on investment 5X greater than more carbon intensive investments. Rep. Golden, and Rep. Gamba testified in support, as well as a coalition of representatives from the organizing group, Divest Oregon, which includes the OEA and 100 other state groups. Only a few testifiers were not in support, or suggested amendments. This bill also brought support from the former New York Controller, Tom Sazillo, testifying on how well New York State was proceeding in its transition towards a fossil free economy, within its investment portfolio. Clean Energy By Kathy Moyd HB 3196 -1 a uthorizes the Environmental Quality Commission to establish by rule a fee to be paid by community climate investment entities. The funds come from the purchase of Community Climate Investments by the covered fuel suppliers. It establishes a Community Climate Investment Oversight Account. The League provided written and verbal Testimony .

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/13 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Election Methods Voter Registration Public Records Law By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Election Methods By Barbara Klein The Oregon Election Reform Coalition has filed an initiative by the same name (now IP 19). It’s an open primaries proposal using a ‘Final Five’ system similar to the Alaska model, as well as other reform features. The LWVOR action committee supported the idea of an identical bill, and LWVOR will review this as a ballot measure. See the full text . Members of the League were involved in developing this initiative. Work is still behind the scenes, and no hearings have yet been scheduled for the three Ranked Choice Voting bills ( SB 506 , HB 2004 and HB 3107 ) nor for the STAR (Score then Automatic Runoff) bill ( HB 3107 ). Voter Registration By Marge Easley The League delivered testimony on HB 2107 to House Rules on February 14. This bill extends automatic voter registration to the Oregon Health Authority when eligible individuals have provided pertinent information to the Oregon Health Plan. Current law only provides for the automatic process through the Department of Motor Vehicles, so this is a welcome expansion that will facilitate an opt-out voter registration process for more citizens, especially those who are low income, homeless, or disabled. HB 2107 originally included the establishment of a pilot program at Powder River Correctional Facility for automatic voter registration of incarcerated individuals upon release, but the Secretary of State asked that this provision be removed. Public Records Law By Rebecca Gladstone HB 2821 may relate to recent articles in the Malheur Enterprise, SPECIAL REPORT: Smith pledges scrutiny of Nyssa rail project budget, can’t produce one , and this follow up, Findley blocks access to records on his rail funding efforts, invoking immunity . Note, author Les Zaitz has agreed to be LWVOR Convention Keynote Speaker, May 19-21. We are watching, marked for public records, open meetings, and budget concerns. A hearing has not been scheduled. After Sen Rules Chair Lieber requested a Work Group, we assembled a roster and began outreach for bill collaboration networking. A meeting is set for Feb 20. See last week’s LR. Thanks to committee admins for help with managing testimony presentations since numerous bills came up during concurrent hearings this week. HB 2585 : We strongly oppose (our testimony ) this bill to repeal Motor Voter. HB 3073 : We support this bill ( our testimony ) to protect candidate and incumbent personal information, with comments, again urging for a more efficient coverage in statute, not just for some data, for some Oregonians. HB 2806 : We support this bill to update statute for open meetings, public safety and cybersecurity law. See our testimony . Next week, or soon after, we expect to speak to these bills: HB 2049 : We will support this cybersecurity omnibus bill, with a Feb 22 public hearing. HJR 4 : Testimony is ready for this same-day voter registration referral, follow up to HJR 11 (2021) and a companion to HJR 20 . We will post testimony when the hearing is scheduled. HB 3201 : We have supportive testimony for this broadband bill, awaiting hearing scheduling. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 3/13 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Climate Emergency Priorities Other CE Bills Clean Energy Resilient Building Equity and Environmental Justice Interstate 5 Bridge Project Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… Climate Emergency Priorities By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator The League has identified six priority CE policy and budget topics. Find in previous LR reports additional background on each priority. All these priority bills were likely to have work sessions scheduled by 3/17, the session First Chamber Policy Committee Deadline. Following are updates on those six topics: 1. Natural and Working Lands : SB 530 LWVOR Alert : Establishes Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Fund, carbon sequestration opportunities…: Natural Climate Solutions SB 530 . Public Hearing was 2/15/23 in SEN E&E . The League provided supportive testimony . Read Oregon Chapter American Planning Association testimony . Sen Dembrow and OGWC Chair MacDonald testified . Here are the meeting materials . The fiscal has not been posted. 2. Resilient Buildings (RB): LWVOR Alert : The League is an active RB coalition partner. BR campaign guiding principles . Informational Hearing was 3/14 , PH is 3/16 . Link to League testimonies: SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 . The fiscals have not yet been posted. 3. Environmental Justice (EJ): 2023 Leg bills. The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition on 2/13 and SB 593 is one of two bills the League will follow and support. The ‘Right to Refuse dangerous work’ SB 907 , PH 3/16 . SB 907 League Testimony. See below for more details. 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 , will change "Oregon Global Warming Commission" to "Oregon Climate Action Commission" and modify membership and duties of commission and state greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets/goals. League Testimony . PH was 2/21, highlights: Sen Dembrow’s “ OGWC Modernization Presentation “ and American Planning Association testimony. 5. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/reductions and new clean renewable energy (DOE), OHA public health, and ODOT (Dept of Transportation) policy and funding bills. 6. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget * was published Jan 31; Kotek’s budget priorities . A main funding problem concerns how the favorable ending current period balance, estimated to be >$765M, can be used. It will take a 3/5 vote to pass this proposed change. We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ), requesting additional agency requests that were not included in the Governor’s budget. Other CE Bills - Supporting By Claudia Keith HB 2763 Creates a State public bank Task Force, Chief sponsors: Rep Gamba, Sen Golden, Rep Walters. The League provided testimony . Work Session was scheduled for March 9 w -1 amendment . Partisan 4-3 vote moves the bill to JWM . HB 2087 . Forest Products Harvest Tax League Testimony . See Keep Oregon Cool, Natural Working Lands. Other CE Bills – Following - May Support By Claudia Keith HB 3016 community green infrastructure, Rep Pham K, Senator Dembrow, Rep Gamba. Work Session 3/15 Clean Energy By Kathy Moyd HB 2530 -1 Directs State Department of Energy to, where appropriate, seek and apply for federal funds, and support other applications for federal funds, to be used to support development and deployment of renewable hydrogen and green electrolytic hydrogen. Directs department to provide education and increase awareness regarding renewable hydrogen and green electrolytic hydrogen. Defines "renewable hydrogen" and "green electrolytic hydrogen." Passed the House Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee with a 6 -3 bipartisan vote. HB 3196 Authorizes the Environmental Quality Commission to establish by rule fee to be paid by community climate investment entities (part of the Climate Protection Program). Establishes Community Climate Investment Oversight Account. The League provided verbal and written Testimony . HB 2534 -1 Requires the State Department of Energy to develop a comprehensive state energy strategy that identifies optimized pathways to achieving state's energy policy objectives. Requires department to engage with state agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes and stakeholders in developing state energy strategy. Permits the department to convene an advisory work group. Requires department to periodically update state energy strategy. Directs the department to produce a report regarding state energy strategy and submit a report to the Governor and appropriate interim committees of the Legislative Assembly no later than November 1, 2025. Passed the House Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee with a unanimous vote. Resilient Buildings By Arlene Sherrett We’re in the process of gathering support for the Resilient Buildings legislation hearings. Amended text was rolled out for SB 868-1 , 869-1 , and 870-1 (SB 871-1 still lags behind the others) this week and an informational hearing was held March 14, 2023. Members of the task force that worked on the foundation of the bill appeared to testify for it and other members attended in support. Committee members had questions about costs; one answer was that it is still unknown exactly how much federal money will be coming, but it is lots. Generally, support was expressed for passing the bills with one notable exception: Northwest Natural expressed some ongoing concerns with the bills but did not elaborate on what they were at the hearing. At this point nearly all written testimony supports the bills. Refer to the adopted Legislative Joint Task Force on Resilient Efficient Buildings (REB) Dec 13 Report for more background. Information from the Oregon Conservation Network on each bill is available at the Building Resilience website . Access to the task force mailing list is through Nora Apter at noraa@oeconline.org . HB 3166, a whole-home energy savings program offering rebates for installing various electric energy high-efficiency devices and establishing a one stop for much needed information on incentives and technical assistance, was heard and is now waiting for referral to W&Ms. This bill dovetails with SB 869-1 (above). The only amendment was language declaring an emergency. HB 3056-3 extending funding for the heat pump grant and rebate program, was adopted by the House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee. The Fiscal Impact Statement shows a cost of $20.8M to be spent in the 2023-25 biennium. HB 3152 - 2 relates to residential gas utility ratepayers’ responsibility to pay or not pay for gas utility line extensions. The bill seeks to make sure that PUC regulations align with greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements, do not delay timely implementation of greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and mitigate energy burden and risks of stranded assets for residential utility customers. A panel of speakers presented arguments for and against and over 50 pieces of written testimony came in, with approximately two thirds opposing. Two Public Hearings 3/1 and 3/13 . CE Equity and Environmental Justice By Arlene Sherrett SB 852 was up for a work session in the Senate Energy and Environment 3/7 and moved to JW&M. The bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a program especially for EJ communities to provide assistance with energy projects and activities. Fiscal $315K. HB 3196 PH 3/8 includes special provisions for Environmental Justice Communities but may not be exclusively targeted to the needs of those communities. How to navigate the online legislative website: Start here: Citizen Engagement Home (oregonlegislature.gov) Just about everything you need to know is on this page: attend a virtual committee meeting, attend a meeting at the capitol, look up a bill, follow updates on bill progress or receive email news from a Legislator. And much more, with more topics to click on down the left-hand sid. Interstate 5 (I5) Bridge Project By Liz Stewart and Arlene Sherrett Still in the analytical stages of the project. Stakeholders have been identified and engaged in the process of understanding the need to replace the bridge and options for what could responsibly replace it, as well as financial, environmental, cultural and community costs and risks of the project to ensure we get the best solution possible in bridge replacement. Washington state has committed to $1 billion for the project. The first appropriation is expected by July 2023. The remaining allocations to take place in progress appropriate amounts every two years until bridge completion. Oregon congressional and senate stakeholders are being lobbied to obtain their firm commitment to $1 billion. Draft Environmental Impact Statement to be released early this fall. It will have a 45–60-day comment period once that is released. Final environmental impact decision anticipated in 2024. Finance plan will be released in March and updated annually. Section 106 impacts (historical, cultural, archeological) are in process of being identified and stakeholders engaged. An online public open house is planned for April. The project team has held meetings to discuss the cost estimate, including scope, funding, and economic impacts. They are working with local and national equity leaders to create a framework for development of the tolling projects that result in benefits for communities that have traditionally been disproportionately negatively impacted by transportation decisions. The Equity and Mobility Advisory Committee (EMAC) has worked to help identify strategies to improve outcomes and access to travel choices for all demographics. They continue to explore equitable strategies used in other parts of the country, including reduced or free transponders, cash payment options for unbanked individuals, rebates or discounts for different income levels, and integrating benefits between travel modes, such as transit passes that accumulate toll credits. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast was released Feb 22. The next forecast is due May 17. JW&M recommended budget will use the May forecast to balance the budget. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has continued to ignore the recommended SEC Climate Risk disclosure rule. Recent Bank Failures May Indicate Problems with Going Concern Standards, Liquidity Risk Disclosure Rules| Reuters. “… Focus on Traditional Financials: In addition, Baumann had some criticisms that the SEC may be too focused on non-traditional disclosures, such as environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. “The SEC is very interested in new climate disclosures, but fundamental things like risks in the financial statements of a bank, and understanding those financial statements, maybe some of the fundamentals, and blocking and tackling, some of those things may have been ignored,” he said. “I’m not opposed to ESG; I’m just saying maybe there is excessive focus on climate related disclosures versus issues like bank liquidity and asset liability duration risk. ESG isn’t going to take down our country, but inadequate disclosure of banking liquidity risks may.”.…” SEC Chair Responds to Questions on Potential Lawsuit on Climate Disclosure , Fast Paced Rulemaking | Reuters. See supportive SEC disclosure LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury/Treasurer Tobias will assist with addressing the $27B Federal funds, contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank Up To $27B Available for NPO Clean Energy Activities . Green Bank's Public-Private Partnership Secures Carbon Credits for EV Charging Systems. The Economic Tides Just Turned for States | RMI. Treasurer Tobias Read Releases First -Ever Oregon Financial Wellness Scorecard| OST. HB 2601 Oregon FF Divestment: The League provided supportive testimony for Fossil Fuel (FF) Divestment: … Requires State Treasurer to address the urgency and risk associated with Fossil Fuel energy investments. Chief Sponsors: Rep Pham K, Senator Golden, Rep Gamba. Bill Calls for Oregon to Divest From Fossil Fuels | Chief Investment Officer CIO. ESG Battlegrounds: How the States Are Shaping the Regulatory Landscape in the U.S. | Harvard Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… By Claudia Keith Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are a number of active state and federal lawsuits , (March 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 62 lawsuits with OREGON mentioned. Climate lawsuits: Hawaii Supreme Court Unanimously Rejects Big Island's Hu Honua Power Project - Honolulu Civil Beat. Older Swiss women take government to court over climate | Climate News | Al Jazeera Our Children’s Trust: March 15, 2023: Judge Denies 18 Republican Attorneys’ General Request to Intervene in Constitutional Climate Case Juliana v. United States . Oregon and PNW News Oregon eyes mandate for climate change lessons in schools | AP News. Oregon’s uncertain electric future - oregonlive. NW Natural in existential fight as Oregon eyes electrification - oregonlive.. What Oregon lawmakers propose to make buildings more energy-efficient | Northwest | ncwlife. U.S. Senate panel probes how crypto mining increases energy consumption – Oregon Capital Chronicle National & Global Here are the most and least disaster-prone states | The Hill. Alaska's Willow oil project is controversial. Here's why . | AP. Climate bright spot: Building sector decarbonization is well underway | The Hill. Opinion : What if climate change meant not doom — but abundance? By Rebecca Solnit | WP. Larry Fink (BlackRock Chairman and CEO) finds way to dodge ESG crosshairs | Reuters. Biden Wants Climate Change, Approves Willow Oil Drilling Project – Rolling Stone. FACT SHEET: President Biden’s Budget Lowers Energy Costs, Combats the Climate Crisis, and Advances Environmental Justice | The White House Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy and law areas: Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: The 2023 legislative session began Jan 17. If any area of Climate Emergency interests you, please contact Claudia Keith , CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 5/19 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Federal Oregon Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Update Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment Oregon Treasury Natural and Working Lands Other Climate Bills Environmental Justice Bills Highlights of House and Senate Policy Committee Chamber Votes Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust The current administration continues to dismantle/desecrate ~ five decades of climate, energy, environmental justice and sustainability policies and related budgeting. See project 2025 for many of these preplanned executive branch and congressional politically focused directives/decisions. A very Unfavorable Revenue Economic Forecast was released 5/14 which could limit funding for climate emergency related bills and potentially existing climate/ Environmental Justice programs. Please refer to the Revenue and NR LR for details. While the primary focus of the LWVOR Action Committee is on Legislation in Oregon, what is happening at the federal level is likely to affect budgeting and other decisions in our state. These climate/energy-related Trump admin policy and budget related executive orders if implemented would drastically affect global UN COP efforts in all fifty states, including Oregon’s climate-related legislation (policy and budget), state agencies, and community climate action plans/state statutes/ targeted outcomes. Federal US House targets big climate, clean energy rollbacks in budget proposal | Reuters Energy Star program is on the chopping block, sources say | CNN Science policy this week : May 12, 2025 - AIP.ORG (American Institute of Physics AIP.ORG ) How the Trump Administration Bakes Climate Denial into U.S. Policy | NRDC Can states and cities lead on climate under Trump? » Yale Climate Connections Oregon How the Pacific Northwest’s Dream of Green Energy Fell Apart — ProPublica. 5/12/25 EPA chief Zeldin faces bipartisan anger in Senate over funding freeze, grant cancellations – OPB 5/14/25 You can track effects of federal cuts in Oregon through the Impact Project. See their interactive map . Many of the cuts listed affect climate and environmental concerns. Closed-door negotiations create hard feelings as the Oregon Capitol awaits a transportation bill – OPB DEQ announces enforcement discretion for Oregon ACT for model years 2025 and 2026 - Grace period available for 2025 and 2026 model years (5/15/25) “Today, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Director Feldon issued a memo directing the agency to use its enforcement discretion for the Advanced Clean Trucks Rule. Effective immediately, DEQ will not pursue enforcement or issue penalties to manufacturers failing to meet zero-emissions vehicle sales targets for all Model Year 2025 and 2026 Class 2b-8 vehicles. This update does not affect Oregon’s Heavy-Duty Low NOx Omnibus Rule ….” Current Week CE Action: This past week the League joined a number of organizations signing on to a Letter to support OSW Offshore wind Energy Roadmap, DLCD led study group. HB 3963. Transportation Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics Transportation Package Priorities (The League supports OCN and other statewide NGO budget priorities:) Increase funding above 2017 levels for public transit Increase funding above 2017 levels for a safe, complete multimodal system (i.e. GreatStreets , Safe Routes to School, Oregon Community Paths, and bike/ped both on-street and trails, etc.) Dedicated or increased revenue for light, medium and heavy-duty vehicle incentives, including for charging and purchasing of ZEVs (🡪 See NR LR for additional details) Please see Natural Resources Legislative Report on Transportation Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability The League joined a coalition sign-on letter this past week requesting funding to support building resilience. The goal is to use affordable measures to protect people from extreme weather. One Stop Shop 2.0/Energy Efficiency Navigation ( HB 3081 ): This bill would create a navigation program at ODOE to help Oregonians access federal, state, local, and utility energy efficiency incentives all in one place. Get the Junk Out of Rates ( SB 88 ): This bill would stop utilities from charging certain expenses like lobbying, advertising, association fees to customers. Protecting Oregonians with Energy Responsibility (POWER Act) ( HB 3546 ): This bill ensures Oregon households are not unfairly burdened by large energy users with grid and transmission costs. Full Funding for Climate Resilience programs Reinvesting the same amount as last biennium in three programs: Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE), $30m Community Heat Pump Deployment Program (ODOE), $15m Community Resilience Hubs (OREM), $10m ( House Bill 3170 ) Disadvantaged Communities (aka Environmental Justice) Bills HB 3170 : Community Resilience Hubs and networks : Fiscal $10M Work Session 3/4, passed to JWM, DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony 
 
 
 
 HB2548 : establishes an agriculture workforce labor standards board, League Testimony . Work Session was held 4/9 passed 4/3, with no amendments, no recommendation and in House Rules. It is unclear why this bill is inactive. Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Update By Claudia Keith HB 215 1: Testimony ; appears dead 
 
 HB 2152 : Testimony ; work session held 4/8 , passed, moved to Joint Ways and Means (JWM) -2 amendments , Staff Measure Summary (SMS). $1M+ fiscal 
 
 HB 2949 : T estimony ; work session held 4/8 , passed to JWM w -5 amendment new SMS .fiscal is not available, will be completed if the bill gets a hearing in JWM NR SC. 
 
 HB 3450 A Testimony , work session held, 4/8 passed adopted amendment -1 . fiscal >1M$. referred to JWM 4/11 
 
 See CEI Hub Seismic Risk Analysis (The study, Impacts of Fuel Releases from the CEI Hub, is intended to characterize and quantify the anticipated damages from the CEI Hub in the event of the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) Earthquake.) See Climate Emergency April 28: CEI emergency management package update. The Bigger Picture: ASCE's ( American Society of Civil Engineers , founded in 1852), Oregon received a C- grade Infrastructure Report Card . Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment At this point in the session, it is doubtful SJR 28 has enough support to move out of Sen Rules. SJR 28 proposed -1 amendment , Environmental Rights Constitutional amendment (ERA) S enate Joint Resolution - with referral to the 2026 ballot, public hearing was 3/26 . The League provided support with comments testimony . The bill is in Senate Rules , so the Legislative first chamber deadlines are not applicable. A Work Session is not yet scheduled. The -1 a mendment is a partial rewrite and may address the League’s concerns. Oregon Treasury: Oregon Divest/ Environmental, Social, and Governance Updates By Claudia Keith SB 681 : May be still active: Treasury: Fossil Fuel investment moratorium, in Sen F&R, PH 3/19. testimony. Sen Golden. 
 
 HB 2200 -1 , work session was 4/8, bill was requested by previous Treasury Sec Tobias and supported by Treasurer Steiner, related to ESG investing , identified as the compromise bill. League chose not to comment, could move to the floor, no JWM required. (still in H EMGGV, still awaiting transfer to desk) 
 
 HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing / public bank Task Force , Work Session 3/6/2025 passed to Joint Ways and Means (JWM), fiscal: $1.3M , League Testimony , Rep Gamba, Senator,Golden, Frederick, Rep Andersen, Evans . 
 
 HB 2081A Directs the Oregon Investment Council and the State Treasurer to take certain actions to manage the risks of climate change to the Public Employees Retirement Fund. Passed House along party lines. WS Senate Finance & Rev is 5/21. ( see HB 2200 ) PH is 5/19. At the request of: (no sponsor: at the request of House Interim Committee on Revenue for Representative Nancy Nathanson) Historically, since 2009 Public banking policy topic has been included in many Leg sessions, (go here and then use Control F to search for ‘bank’. ) 22 bills mentioning Public and Bank have died in committee over the past 16 years. Divest Oregon The Pause Act would enact a 5-year moratorium on new Public Employees Retirement Fund (PER investments in new private fossil fuel funds. March 2025 Fund Performance - Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund and graphics Published by Divest Oregon: Executive Summary and Praise for Report (see SB 681) Addressing the Risk of Climate Change: A Comparison of US Pension Funds' Net Zero Plans – Jan 2025 Natural and Working Lands HB 3489 Timber Severance Tax. House Committee on Revenue. League Testimony for original bill and for -1 Amendment . 
 
 HB 5039 financial administration of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; JWM NR SC, League testimony 
 
 HB 3103A – work session was 3/31. Moved to JWM, Overweight Timber Harvest , League Testimony , new adopted -5 amendment . 
 
 Other Climate Bills New HB 3963 posted to OLIS 4/15, Rep Gomberg, House Rules. PH 5/19. Extends the deadline from Sept 1, 2025, to Jan 1, 2027, for the DLCD to draft and submit a report to the Legislative Assembly on the department's activities to develop an Offshore Wind Roadmap and its assessment of enforceable state policies related to offshore wind energy development off the Oregon coast. Existing HB 2566A : Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects , Work Session was 3/20, moved to JWM, Rep Gamba was the only nay. At the request of Governor Tina Kotek (H CEE), DOE presentation 
 
 HB 3365 A: climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, 4/21 moved to Sen Ed, 4/17 passed House 32/23, work session was 4/9, moved to floor with adopted amendment -4 . House Cm Educ, WS 5/19 , League Testimony , NO Fiscal noted , Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald , 
 
 SB 688 A: -5 , Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, PH 3/12,& 3/19, work session was 3/24, updated $974K fiscal , moved to JWM , League testimony , Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham, 
 
 SB 827A : Solar and Storage Rebate , SEE Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, Senate voted 21-7, moves to House 3/4 first reading. 5/15 House 2nd reading HB 3546A , -3 the POWER Act , in Sen E&E , PH 4/30, 5/5, P WS was 5/14, moved with due pass. The bill requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create a new rate class for the largest energy users in the state. (data centers and other high-volume users). These regulations would only apply to customers in the for-profit utility's service areas of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. NO Fiscal, on its way to the floor. The League has approved being listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . 
 HB 3189 in JWM. Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV , Citizens Utility Board CUB presentation here . 
 
 SB 1143A : -3 , moved to JWM, with bipartisan vote, PH was 3/19, Work session was 4/7 SEE, PUC established a pilot program that allows each natural gas Co to develop a utility-scale thermal energy network (TEN) pilot project to provide heating and cooling services to customers. Senator Lieber, Sollman, Representative Levy B, Senator Smith DB, Representative Andersen, Marsh. Example: Introduction to the MIT Thermal Energy Networks (MITTEN) Plan for Rapid and Cost-Effective Campus Decarbonization. 
 
 HB 3609 work session 4/8, moved to JWM. The measure requires electric companies to develop and file with the Oregon Public Utility Commission a distributed power plant program for the procurement of grid services from customers of the electric company who enroll in the program. H CEE, PH 3/11 
 
 HB 3653 in Sen E&E, PH 4/28, WS was 5/5, 6-0 vote. House vote was 51 - 9. Senate 5/15 vote passed, 26 ,1-3. Allows authorized state agencies to enter into energy performance contracts without requiring a competitive procurement if the authorized state agency follows rules that the Attorney General adopts, negotiates a performance guarantee, and enters into the contract with a qualified energy service company that the ODOE prequalifies and approves. 
 
 Environmental Justice Bills HB 3170 : Community Resilience Hubs and networks : Fiscal $10M Work Session 3/4, passed to JWM, DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony 
 
 
 
 Highlights of House and Senate Policy Committee and Chamber Votes By a 29-1, the Senate passed HB 3874 A , increasing the threshold for siting and approval of a wind energy facility at the county level from 50 MW to 100 MW of average electric generating capacity, before the facility must obtain a site certificate from EFSC. Either the county or the developer could elect to defer regulatory authority to EFSC. Under the bill as amended by the Senate, a county seeking to issue a permit for a facility of the specified size would have to require the applicant to provide a bonded decommissioning plan to restore the site to a useful, nonhazardous condition. HB 3336 , requiring IOUs to file strategic plans with the PUC to use cost-effective grid enhancing technologies (GETs), was scheduled for a possible Work Session in Senate E&E but the WS was postponed until Monday 5/19. Process notes: The base bill passed the House by a comfortable margin in April. Testimony in House CE&E had been overwhelmingly supportive; PGE was neutral. Shortly before the Senate E&E public hearing 2 days ago, Rep. Gamba posted a -2 amendment that he said was intended to "streamline" the siting of GETs for the IOUs. This stoked opposition from cities and counties that complained of not having had enough time to study the amendment to ensure that it did not encroach on their local siting authority. OMEU (consumer-owned utilities) also criticized the lack of prior consultation and said they were afraid the amendment could make the GETs siting provisions apply to them too. Sen. Brock Smith chewed out Gamba on their behalf. Rather than drop the -2 amendment, Gamba promised to bring the parties together to spin out a -3 amendment that would meet all concerns, as soon as LC could get around to it. As of 5/14 LC had not gotten around to it. Senate E&E voted 3-2 to move HB 3546 A-7 , the POWER Act, to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. This bill was the top priority on the OCN Hot List this week. It would direct the PUC to provide for a separate classification of service for data centers and crypto mining facilities. PUC would have to require IOUs to enter into a 10-year contract with these large energy users to pay a minimum amount or percentage for the term of the contract, which could include a charge for excess demand. Rates for this customer class would have to be proportional to the costs of serving them. (Currently, these users are classified as industrial customers, which pay the lowest rates for electricity.) The bill would apply only to large users that apply for service on or after the effective date of the act, or that make significant investments or incur costs after the effective date that could result in increased costs or risks to other retail customers. Rep. Marsh described the -A7 amendment as technical to ensure against double-charging direct access customers that contract independently with an electric service provider, and to clarify that the large energy users can pursue alternative pathways to compliance through green power or renewable energy tariffs. The committee declined to adopt Sen. Brock Smith's -A6 amendment that would have defined "large energy user" by excluding a long list of specific industries other than data centers and crypto operations. He and Sen. Robinson, in explaining their "nay" votes, said they don’t oppose making large users pay their proportionate share of costs, but "singling out" data centers and crypto centers in statute could have adverse economic consequences. SB 685 A , requiring a natural gas utility to notify all customers and the PUC if the utility plans to increase the amount of hydrogen blended with natural gas, was scheduled for a Possible Work Session in House CE&E 5/12. House CEE Chair Lively carried over the PWS until Tuesday 5/20. This is a Bill of Support on the OCN Hot List. Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Here is one example of how to track ODEQ Climate Protection Program cases. Basically, there are a number of active federal lawsuits , Climate Litigation May 15 Updates Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 85 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon. There are no recent press releases or media from Our Children’s Trust. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Climate Emergency ? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The short legislative session begins in January of 2026. Many State Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of climate or natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, or Claudia Keith Climate Emergency at peggylynchor@gmail.com Or climatepolicy@lwvor.org . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report section

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 3/6 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Climate Emergency Priorities Other CE Bills Clean Energy Clean Building Equity and Environmental Justice Interstate 5 Bridge Project Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… Climate Priorities By Claudia Keith The League has identified six priority CE policy and budget topics. Find in previous LR reports additional background on each priority. Following are updates on those six topics: 1. Natural and Working Lands : Establishes Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Fund, carbon sequestration opportunities…: Natural Climate Solutions SB 530 . Public Hearing was 2/15/23 in SEN E&E . The League provided supportive testimony . Read Oregon Chapter American Planning Association testimony . Sen Dembrow and OGWC Chair MacDonald testified . Here are the meeting materials . Climate Change Solutions | Newsletter | EESI: “ It's farm bill season on Capitol Hill”. 2. Resilient Buildings (RB): Refer to the adopted Legislative Joint Task Force on Resilient Efficient Buildings (REB) Dec 13 Report . The League is an active RB coalition partner. BR campaign guiding principles . SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 were posted 2/9. Find additional LR by Arlene Sherrett below. 3. Environmental Justice (EJ): 2023 Leg bills. The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition on 2/13 and SB 593 is one of two bills the League will follow and support. The ‘Right to Refuse dangerous work’ SB907 was posted 2/15. 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 , will change "Oregon Global Warming Commission" to "Oregon Climate Action Commission" and modify membership and duties of commission and state greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets/goals. League Testimony . PH was 2/21, highlights: Sen Dembrow’s “ OGWC Modernization Presentation “ and American Planning Association testimony. 5. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/reductions and new clean renewable energy (DOE), OHA public health, and ODOT (Dept of Transportation) policy and funding bills. 6. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget * was published Jan 31; Kotek’s budget priorities . A main funding problem concerns how the favorable ending current period balance, estimated to be >$765M, can be used. It will take a 3/5 vote to pass this proposed change. We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ), requesting additional agency requests that were not included in the Governor’s budget. Other CE Bills - Supporting By Claudia Keith HB 2763 Creates a State public bank Task Force with Rep Gamba, Sen Golden, Rep Walters. The League provided testimony . Work Session was scheduled for March 9 w -1 amendment . Other CE Bills – May Support By Claudia Keith The League may support or just follow these bills. This is a preliminary list. Natural Working Lands: See Rep Pham’s urban forestry bill, HB 3016 , Rep Holvey’s severance tax bill, HB 3025 to replace the harvest tax, and ODF’s Regular Harvest tax bill, HB 2087 . SB 88 climate smart Ag increases net carbon sequestration and storage in natural and working lands. Requested: Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire Recovery. See Keep Oregon Cool, Natural Working Lands. Green Infrastructure: HB 3016 community green infrastructure, Rep Pham K, Senator Dembrow, Rep Gamba. Public & Green Banking: SB501 Bank of the state of Oregon Sen Golden. Clean Energy By Greg Martin Senate E&E moves SB 852 The committee unanimously moved SB 852 to the Senate floor with subsequent referral to Joint W&M. The 11-line bill requiring ODOE to "establish a program to provide assistance related to energy projects and activities to environmental justice communities" carries a fiscal impact estimate of $390,315 for hiring one permanent, full-time Operations and Policy Analyst 3 as a "community navigator" who would reach out to connect local and tribal governments and community-based organizations with EJ communities and the technical and financial energy resources they need. Clean Buildings By Arlene Sherrett The House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee will hold work sessions this week on both HB 3166 and HB 3056. HB 3166 a whole-home energy savings program will offer rebates for installing various electric energy high-efficiency devices and will establish a one stop for much needed information on incentives and technical assistance. HB 3056 extends funding for the heat pump grant and rebate program. Resilient Buildings (RB) is a priority for the League and this week we saw draft text for SB 868 , 869 , 870 sent out on Feb 27, 2023. All the bills follow closely with the intent in the one-pagers sent out from Senator Lieber’s office the first part of February. Unfortunately, there is no place online to access the draft bills but information on the background of each bill is available at the Building Resilience website . Access to the task force mailing list is available through Nora Apter at noraa@oeconline.org and you can email me at arlenesherrett3019@gmail.com . I will be glad to forward them to you. SB 871 the State Building energy efficiency bill will come soon. The RBC coordinator estimates that the Senate Energy and Environment hearing will be in mid-March. Refer to the adopted Legislative Joint Task Force on Resilient Efficient Buildings (REB) Dec 13 Report for background. Equity and Environmental Justice By Arlene Sherrett SB 852 will be up for a work session in Senate Energy and Environment this week. The bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a program especially for EJ communities to provide assistance with energy projects and activities. The bill had afirst public hearing Feb 21. The following bills include special provisions for Environmental Justice Communities but may not be exclusively targeted to the needs of those communities. HB 3196 HB 2990 Interstate 5 (I5) Bridge Project By Liz Stewart Interstate 5 (I-5) Bridge project is estimated to cost approximately $6 billion and will be funded using federal and state funds from both Oregon and Washington, as well as tolling. To date, the final design has not been agreed upon. Information on the project and an FAQ can be found at Frequently Asked Questions | I-5 Bridge Replacement Program. The Executive Steering Group has no scheduled meetings at this time. The Community Advisory Group meets every 2nd Thursday of the month from 4-6 pm. The next meeting is April 13. The Equity Advisory Group meets the 3rd Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 pm. The next meeting is the March 20. The community engagement calendar can be found here . There was a Public Hearing scheduled for February 28 at 5 p.m. on bills related to rail transportation in Oregon, and a Joint Committee meeting on transportation funding in Oregon on March 2 that may likely touch on the topic of the I-5 bridge as well. The Interstate Bridge Replacement Project is in its second round of assessment after the first plans received criticism from several sources . The latest proposal for the bridge is called the Modified Locally Preferred Alternative . Right now, the project is waiting on an environmental review and this LWVOR report will be updated as soon as anything comes out. Next steps from Program Administrator Gregory Johnson: 1. The program’s Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be available for public review and comment during a formal public comment period anticipated in 2023. 2. The program will refine and update the cost estimate and financial plan to reflect the key elements identified in the endorsed Modified LPA. 3. An updated financial plan is anticipated in early 2023. Sign up for email on IBR project website to find background on the project or get involved: IBR has several public groups formed to give input on the project. Find out about participation at public meetings here and here . Criticisms on the first proposal: Money: $ 5 -7.5 Billion Some legislators feel the work could be done in phases so costs could be spread out over time. Design: 4% slope is very steep for bikers, walkers and rollers. Height of passage under the bridge doesn’t meet what the coast guard sees as needed. Will light rail be included? Although IBR project leaders seem to agree on including light rail, other public figures have weighed in in dissent . Clark County residents did vote to exclude Light rail during the failed Columbia River Crossing Project a decade ago. Increasing GHG Emissions: More lanes, more GHGs. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast was released Feb 22. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has continued to ignore the recommended SEC Climate Risk disclosure rule. SEC Chair Responds to Questions on Potential Lawsuit on Climate Disclosure , Fast Paced Rulemaking | ThomasReuters. Legislators urge SEC chair to finalize climate disclosure rule | Financial Regulation News. See supportive SEC disclosure LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury / Treasurer Tobias will assist with addressing the $27B Federal funds, contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank Up To $27B Available for NPO Clean Energy Activities - The NonProfit Times, Colorado’s green bank mobilizes $118 mil lion in clean energy projects and infrastructure statewide | EIN News HB 2601 Oregon FF Divestment: The League provided supportive testimony for Fossil Fuel (FF) Divestment: … Requires State Treasurer to address the urgency and risk associated with Fossil Fuel energy investments. Chief Sponsors: Rep Pham K, Senator Golden, Rep Gamba. Bill Calls for Oregon to Divest From Fossil Fuels | Chief Investment Officer CIO. Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… By Claudia Keith Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are a number of active state and federal lawsuits , (March 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 62 lawsuits with OREGON mentioned. Climate lawsuits: How dangerous are they for businesses? |TBS. Oregon and PNW News Oregon State University researching method to trap carbon dioxide in building materials | News | kezi.com . Oregon Delegation Announces an Additional $6 Million for Major Energy Efficiency Upgrades at PDX | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon National & Global The Scientific Breakthrough That Could Make Batteries Last Longer – WSJ. Senator Whitehouse Puts Climate Change on Budget Committee’s Agenda - The New York Times. Yellen warns climate change may trigger losses in US | The Hill. The Climate Gap and the Color Line — Racial Health Inequities and Climate Change | NEJM. Short-distance migration critical for climate change adaptation – ScienceDaily. A climate education bill , spearheaded by teachers and students, gets a spotlight in Salem - oregonlive.com . Climate change: New idea for sucking up CO2 from air shows promise - BBC News Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy and law areas: Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: The 2023 legislative session began Jan 17. If any area of Climate Emergency interests you, please contact Claudia Keith , CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.