Five Oregon agencies would use permit rules in place when applications are complete

The five agencies would approve or deny new permit applications using rules and standards in place when they find each application complete. This would cover new permits from Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Transportation, Department of State Lands, State Department of Energy, and State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. State statute or federal law could require agencies to use different rules. Agencies could request plans, revisions, and other reasonable information needed to check whether an application is complete and the applicant is eligible. Agencies could still apply newer requirements to renewals or changes in operations after a permit is issued that require those requirements. Agencies could offer applicants the option to meet newer rules and standards after their applications are complete. If enacted, the act would take effect on the 91st day after the 2026 regular legislative session adjourns for the final time.