Multiple discussions of interest to counties
Contributed by Mark Nystrom, AOC Energy, Environment and Land Use Policy Manager
September 26, 2016
There were a number of interesting informational hearings during the legislative interim days that served as a preview of what is to come in the 2017 Legislative Session. On Wednesday there were a couple of hearings on water supply issues in the House Rural Communities Committee at the same time the House Business and Labor Committee heard about tiny houses. Later in the day the Senate Environment and Natural Resource Committee discussed carbon offsets, the work of Cleaner Air Oregon, and had an update on the Diesel Work Group. Additionally, Tillamook County Commissioner Mark Labhart reported on the Task Force on State Department of Fish and Wildlife Funding. On Thursday a speaker presented on the progress of Secure Medicine Takeback programs in Washington and the potential for legislation in Oregon during the House Health Care Committee. The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard about the need for increased funding for the Noxious Weed Control Program which Dave Pranger, weed coordinator/inspector from Morrow County presented. Later on Thursday the Senate Energy and Environment Committee heard about a number of issues including the Volkswagen settlement.
AOC staff continues to track these and many other issues.