Bill

Bill > HB3352


OR HB3352

Relating to the creation of credits for the restoration of salmon habitat; prescribing an effective date.


summary

Introduced
01/28/2025
In Committee
01/30/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025 Legislative Measures

Bill Summary

The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: This Act tells the DSL to make a pilot program for owners of land to restore salmon habitat. (Flesch Readability Score: 71.0). 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. Establishes the Salmon Credit Trust Fund. Directs the Department of State Lands and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to consult with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to develop or identify an existing programmatic general permit to authorize restoration activities under the pilot program. Becomes operative on the date that a programmatic general permit is established. Provides that the Department of State Lands may not approve a salmon credit project on or after January 2 of the sixth year following the establishment of a programmatic general permit. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a salmon credit pilot program in Oregon's Coquille and Coos watershed basins designed to encourage voluntary salmon habitat restoration by agricultural and forestland owners. The program allows landowners (called "credit generators") to create salmon credits by restoring waters that are or have historically been salmonid habitat, which can then be purchased by others to satisfy environmental mitigation requirements. The Department of State Lands will develop rules for the program, including identifying suitable restoration sites, establishing project requirements, setting credit prices, and creating a certification process. When a salmon credit is purchased, the credit generator receives reimbursement for project costs and can earn ongoing dividend payments through a newly created Salmon Credit Trust Fund. Participating landowners must convey a permanent easement to the state for the restored habitat area and can continue to hunt and fish on the property. The program is contingent upon obtaining a programmatic general permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is initially set to run for six years from the permit's establishment. Importantly, the bill aims to improve wild coho and chinook salmon health by providing financial incentives for habitat restoration while maintaining existing environmental protection standards.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Referred to Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water with subsequent referral to Ways and Means. (on 01/30/2025)

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