Four Oregon agencies would explain permit denials and track processing times

Four state agencies would have to explain why they deny a permit application and tell the applicant how to challenge the denial. This applies to the Department of Environmental Quality, Department of State Lands, State Department of Energy, and State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. The agency must identify the law or rule that supports the denial. The agency must provide a guide explaining how to contest the denial and the deadlines for doing so. The requirement applies when an agency denies an application for a permit covered by ORS 183.700. This requirement begins when the Act takes effect on the 91st day after the 2026 regular session adjourns sine die.

Four state agencies would have to develop or identify a measure showing how quickly they process and issue permits and renewals. The requirement covers the Department of Environmental Quality, Department of State Lands, State Department of Energy, and State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. The measure must include a description of what slows permit processing, issuance or renewal and which steps take the most time. The agency may also include suggestions for legal or other changes that could speed up the process. Beginning July 1, 2039, an agency may review whether the measure remains useful and may stop using it. Each agency must develop or identify the measure no later than July 1, 2029. Section 3 is repealed on January 2, 2040.