As the legislature begins its mad rush to schedule and work bills out of their chamber of origin before the first chamber deadlines, committee chair for the House Committee on Energy and Environment Representative Ken Helm scheduled HB 2322 for a public hearing and possible work session on April 2. The bill, as written, would require the Land Conservation and Development Commission to amend state land use planning goals related to energy to allow development of renewable energy facilities and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to match state energy policies. HB 2322 is an economic development priority for Association of Oregon Counties as it would give flexibility to counties to bring green energy to their communities and open up job creation opportunities.

Chair Helm also scheduled HB 2329 for a work session on April 2. The bill would allow developers to select which process they prefer between the Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) and county processes for larger scale renewable energy projects. For more information on HB 2329, click here.

Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate