442nd 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, March 12, 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
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Meeting ID: 898 5820 8607
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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, review the day's agenda and introduce new commissioner Ann Gravatt.
9:05 a.m.
Item A: Draft Meeting Minutes (Action)
Commissioners will review and take action on proposed draft minutes from the January 2026 regular meeting.
9:10 a.m.
Item B: Director Delegation Package (Action)
DEQ will present a package of specific one-time rulemakings for the commission to consider being delegated to the Director for final approval in calendar year 2026.
9:40 a.m.
Item C: EV Rebates 2026 Rulemaking Update (Informational)
DEQ will present an overview of its ongoing EV Rebates 2026 rulemaking for the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program and the ZERO Fleet Rebate Program. The OCVRP provides rebates to help offset the upfront cost of purchasing or leasing new and used zero-emission light-duty vehicles, with targeted support for low- and moderate-income households through the Charge Ahead Rebate. The ZERO Fleet Rebate Program offers incentives to help fleets transition to zero -emission vehicles. This presentation will provide information on why updates are being considered and how growing demand, vehicle market changes, and limited funding have affected program availability.
10:25 a.m.
Break
10:40 a.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 rules:
- EV Rebates 2026 Rulemaking
- Water Quality Fees 2026
11:30 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, March 9, 2026.
12:45 p.m.
Item E: 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.
2:15 p.m.
Break
2:30 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.
3:30 p.m.
Item G: Governor's Natural Resources Team Update (Informational)
Representatives from the Governor's Natural Resources Team will provide the commission with an overview of recent climate, energy and resilience Executive Orders.
4:15 p.m.
Adjourn Meeting