443rd Regular Meeting of the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission
This meeting will be held by Zoom and in-person at the SAGE Center in Boardman, Oregon.
Location:
SAGE Center – Community Room
101 Olson Road
Boadman, Oregon 97818
Note: To comply with federal accessibility requirements, DEQ may post documents in their source file format (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Document type will be noted next to the link for that document. If you require materials in a specific format (such as PDF), please submit a Public Records Request.
Thursday, May 14, 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
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Meeting ID: 819 7325 8622
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Join Instructions
All times are approximate and subject to change.
8:30 a.m.
Welcome and Meeting Open
The commission will open the meeting and review the day's agenda.
8:35 a.m.
Item A: Draft Meeting Minutes (Action)
Commissioners will review and take action on proposed draft minutes from the March 2026 regular meeting.
8:40 a.m.
Item B: Director's Report (Informational)
DEQ will present written and verbal updates on agency activities and other issues of interest to the commission.
9:30 a.m.
Item C: Recognition of DEQ's Ambassadors of Public Service (Informational)
DEQ's Director and the commission will recognize the employees nominated for the 2026 Ambassadors of Public Service awards, presented annually by the Governor's Office.
9:45 a.m.
Item D: Variance Request on Summer Fuel Volatility Requirements (Action)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a nationwide emergency fuel waiver allowing higher-volatility gasoline and the sale of E15 during the summer months, temporarily relaxing federal fuel requirements. DEQ will request that the commission approve a temporary variance to Oregon's current fuel requirements to align with the federal waiver, provide regulatory clarity to fuel suppliers, and avoid potential supply disruptions.
10:15 a.m.
Break
10:30 a.m.
Item E: 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:
- Greenhouse Gas Reporting Fees 2026
- EV Rebates 2026 Rulemaking
11:20 a.m.
Item F: Community Climate Investment Entity Solicitation (Informational)
DEQ will provide an update on the Community Climate Investment entity application and selection process. A third-party, nonprofit entity is needed to operate the Community Climate Investment component of the Climate Protection Program. DEQ solicited applications for the Community Climate Investment role and closed that application period in March 2026.
12 p.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, May 11, 2026.
1:10 p.m.
Item G: EV Rebates 2026 Rulemaking (Action)
DEQ will propose amendments to the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (OCVRP) 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 provides incentives to help fleets transition to zero-emission vehicles. The proposed rule changes focus on conserving funding, improving program clarity, and better aligning program design and incentive levels with available funding and market conditions.
1:55 p.m.
Item H: Agency Request Budget Update (Informational)
DEQ will provide the commission with an update on the development of the 2027-2029 Agency Request Budget. The presentation will include a preview and discussion of key budget and policy issues and priorities.
2:30 p.m.
Break
2:45 p.m.
Item I: Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA) Update (Informational)
DEQ, the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the Oregon Water Resources Department, and the Oregon Health Authority will provide an update on progress implementing the Nitrate Reduction Plan for the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA). The Nitrate Reduction Plan details the state's public health response and long-term strategies to reduce groundwater nitrate concentrations. The plan represents an unprecedented collaborative effort across the four state agencies working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Morrow and Umatilla counties, local governments, businesses, residents, and community groups to develop long-term solutions to this decades-long issue.
3:45 p.m.
Adjourn Public Meeting
4 p.m.
Item J: Lower Umatilla Basin Tour (Informational)
Commissioners will tour the Lower Umatilla Basin, led by Umatilla County and Morrow County. The tour will provide the commission with an understanding of local aspects of the area. Please note that this tour is not open to the public.
Friday, May 15, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
9:30 a.m.
Item K: Chemical Waste Management of the Northwest and Columbia Ridge Landfill Tour (Informational)Commissioners will tour the Chemical Waste Management of the Northwest facility and the Columbia Ridge landfill. Chemical Waste Management of the Northwest (CWM) is Oregon's only operating hazardous waste landfill. The facility also stores, treats, recycles and transports hazardous waste. It is located near Arlington, in Gilliam County. The hazardous waste facility is owned by Waste Management, which also owns and operates the adjacent Columbia Ridge solid waste landfill. The tour will include the receiving railyard, on-site hazardous waste management operations, and the adjacent Columbia Ridge solid waste landfill. Please note that this tour is not open to the public.