441st Regular Meeting of the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission
This meeting will be held by Zoom and in-person at the Portland DEQ headquarters. Please note that the Zoom information is different on each day.
Location:
700 NE Multnomah Street
Portland, OR 97232
3rd Floor Conference Room
Thursday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Meeting ID: 883 7308 0139
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Join Instructions
All times are approximate and subject to change.
10 a.m.
Welcome and Meeting Open
The commission will open the meeting and review the day's agenda.
10:05 a.m.
Item A: Draft Meeting Minutes (Action)
Commissioners will review and take action on proposed draft minutes from the December 2025 regular meeting.
10:10 a.m.
Item B: Executive Order 25-29 and Clean Fuels Program Rulemaking (Informational)
DEQ will provide an update on the Clean Fuels Program, including context for how the program fits within the broader suite of clean energy strategies for Oregon and DEQ's plans for responding to the Governor's directive to expand and extend the program.
11:10 a.m.
Item C: Water Quality Fees 2026 (Informational)
DEQ will propose amendments to Chapter 340 to update water quality program fees under ORS 468B.051. The commission can approve up to a 3% annual increase for various programs, including Stormwater and Onsite programs. The 2025 Legislature authorized additional fee increases for DEQ's Onsite, 401, Operator Certification, and Underground Injection Control programs. The proposed rulemaking will also clarify the Operator Certification exam procedure.
11:40 a.m.
Working Lunch and Executive Session
The commission will hold a working lunch and executive session, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2), (f) and (h). Per state law, members of the media are permitted to attend executive sessions; however, they may not report on the specifics or details of any discussions or information presented during these sessions. To request access as a member of the media, please email Lindsay Trapp by 12 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.
1 p.m.
Item D: Public Forum
The commission will provide an opportunity for public comment on any environmental and public health issues relevant to DEQ and EQC. Sign-ups to comment will occur shortly before the start of this agenda item, and people should limit comments to two minutes or less. The commission may reduce comment times at its discretion. The commission cannot accept comment on the following proposed rule: Water Quality Fees 2026.
2 p.m.
Item E: Rulemaking Plan Review (Informational)
DEQ will brief the commission on the rulemaking process, and the annual rulemaking plan.
2:30 p.m.
Break
2:45 p.m.
Item F: Director's Report (Informational)
DEQ will present written and verbal updates on agency activities and other issues of interest to the commission.
4 p.m.
Adjourn Meeting
Friday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m. to 10:35 a.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 879 5853 0516
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Join Instructions
All times are approximate and subject to change.
9 a.m.
Welcome and Meeting Open
The commission will open the meeting and review the day's agenda.
9:05 a.m.
Item G: Gaston Heights, LLC Hearing (Action)
The commission will hear oral argument from and have an opportunity to ask questions of both DEQ and Gaston Heights representatives regarding Gaston Heights' Petition for EQC Review of the Administrative Law Judge's June 2024 Proposed Order regarding alleged violations of Oregon water quality law at a construction site in Gaston, Oregon. The commission will then deliberate and determine by motion its decision on the final order in this matter.
10:35 a.m.
Adjourn Meeting