HB 2722

Directs Public Utility Commission to convene workshops on best practices regarding wildfires.

Bill Text

• A-Engrossed
• House Amendments to Introduced
• Introduced

Creates comprehensive wildfire response policies including wildfire risk reduction, defensible space standards, and building code requirements for residential properties in hazard zones.

Original Bill Text

Sponsors#

Chief Sponsors: Brad Witt

Co-Sponsors: Paul Evans

Overview#

Creates Land Use and Wildfire Policy Advisory Committee. Sunsets advisory committee July 1, 2022.] Requires State Forestry Department, Oregon State University and Department of Land Conservation and Development to conduct study of regional wildfire risk within state.] Requires departments and advisory committee to report to interim committee of Legislative Assembly no later than February 1, 2022, regarding possible means for implementing final recommendations produced by Governor’s Council on Wildfire Response. Requires inclusion of regional wildfire risk information in report.] Authorizes assignment of council to assist state and local agencies and officials regarding implementation of wildfire risk reduction programs.] Requires council to report to Legislative Assembly no later than October 31, 2021, with detailed recommendations regarding sustainable financing model for funding comprehensive wildfire strategy.] Requires State Department of Energy to commission study of feasibility of using materials from wildfire fuel reduction projects for renewable energy generation. Requires appointment of advisory committee to assist with study. Requires study to be completed by January 15, 2022.] Appropriates moneys to Department of Land Conservation and Development, State Forestry Department, Oregon State University and State Department of Energy for 2021-2023 biennium to carry out Act.] Directs Public Utility Commission to convene workshops on best practices regarding wildfires. Requires public utility that provides electricity to have and operate in compliance with risk-based wildfire protection plan. Requires consumer-owned utility to have and operate in compliance with risk-based wildfire mitigation plan. Authorizes certain property insurance-related actions concerning protection of property from wildfire. Mandates organization of Land Use and Wildfire Policy Advisory Committee. Requires committee to report to appropriate committees or interim committees of Senate and House of Representatives on or before December 31, 2022. Directs Environmental Quality Commission to establish program related to wildfire smoke and evaluate public health risks. Authorizes commission to enter into agreements related to wildfire smoke and clean air shelters. Directs Oregon Health Authority to cooperate with local governments to establish clean air shelters and to establish program to increase availability of smoke filtration systems. Directs Office of Emergency Management to update statewide emergency plan and coordinate with cities, counties and certain entities to prepare for emergencies related to wildfire. Changes certain requirements concerning composition of county forestland-urban interface classification committees. Requires committees to establish minimum defensible space standards for minimizing or mitigating wildfire risk within extreme hazard zones. Authorizes committees to establish minimum defensible space standards within high hazard zones. Requires committees to produce maps of standards and certain designations and classifications. Establishes certain requirements concerning adoption of minimum defensible space standards by State Board of Forestry. Provides that certain owners of land may only be liable to State Forester for costs of suppressing fire if owner has willfully or recklessly failed to meet standards. Caps liability at $10,000. Provides that annual special or additional cost of fire protection for certain property owners must be adopted by rule and ratified by Legislative Assembly. Directs Department of Consumer and Business Services to adopt wildfire hazard mitigation building code standards for certain new residences and to develop interactive tool. Directs Oregon State University to develop and maintain statewide map of wildfire risk and report on map to interim committee of Legislative A

Public Testimony

Legislative History