Bill > HB4076

This bill modifies existing laws related to energy facility siting and renewable energy projects. Specifically, it amends ORS 469.504 to allow the Energy Facility Siting Council to grant an exception to statewide planning goals for energy facilities if they meet certain criteria, such as utilizing surplus interconnection capacity from an existing facility and not requiring extensive new transmission lines, and also requires the council to find that specific standards are met if the facility delivers electricity to the grid using an existing facility's surplus interconnection and doesn't need long transmission lines. Additionally, it amends ORS 215.446 to permit local governments to justify an exception to statewide land use planning goals for renewable energy facilities under specific conditions, including utilizing existing energy facility interconnections and limiting new transmission lines, and requires local governments to make specific findings regarding land availability, infrastructure, public health, compatibility with surrounding uses, mitigation plans, and compliance with other requirements. The bill also includes an effective date.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/HB4076