Bill > HB3346

This bill requires the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to conduct a comprehensive study on siting small-scale renewable energy facilities in critical ground water areas east of the Cascade Range by November 30, 2026. The study will explore multiple aspects of energy facility development, including potential legislative, land use planning, and regulatory changes to streamline facility approvals through conditional use processes. DLCD will collaborate with the Department of Revenue, State Department of Energy, and Water Resources Department to examine issues such as property tax burdens for renewable energy projects, opportunities for electric cooperatives to develop or invest in facilities, and specific land use siting challenges for different types of renewable energy systems (solar, wind, and geothermal) across various generation capacities. The department is mandated to submit a detailed report to the legislative assembly's interim land use committees, providing insights and recommendations to facilitate renewable energy development in water-sensitive regions while addressing potential regulatory and economic barriers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3346