Bill > HB3894

This bill amends Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 530.050 to authorize the State Forester to lease state forest lands specifically for wind energy facilities, which are defined under ORS 469.300 as energy production sites utilizing wind power technology. The bill adds a new provision (paragraph 14) to the existing law that outlines the State Forester's management powers, explicitly allowing them to lease forest lands for wind energy development. The amendments will become operative on January 1, 2026, giving the State Forestry Department time to prepare for implementing this new leasing authority. The bill includes a provision enabling the department to take preparatory actions before the operative date and stipulates that the act will take effect 91 days after the 2025 regular legislative session adjourns. This expansion of leasing powers is intended to potentially create new renewable energy opportunities on state-managed forestlands while maintaining the State Forester's broader mandate to secure the greatest permanent value of these lands for the state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3894