State of Oregon: Facilities - EFSC Project Updates: November 2022

This page has the latest information on energy projects under state jurisdiction. We update this page monthly to help you stay involved and in-the-know about energy facility news.

 November 2022 Siting Project Updates

The Latest Updates
Approved Facilities Under Construction: Bakeoven Solar Project Carty Generating Station Daybreak Solar Project Montague Solar Facility Shepherds Flat North Shepherds Flat Central Shepherds Flat South Stateline Wind Project Summit Ridge Wind Farm
Archway Solar Energy Facility – Preliminary Application Submittal The Department’s review of the preliminary application for site certificate and reviewing agency coordination is ongoing.
Blue Marmot Solar Energy Facility – Notice of Intent The applicant did not submit their preliminary Application for Site Certificate by October 27, 2022 and the Notice of Intent has expired.
Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Line – Final Order on the Application for Site Certificate (ASC) At its September 27, 2022 meeting, Council voted to approve the Final Order on the ASC and grant issuance of a site certificate. Once the site certificate is executed and served, parties to the contested case will have 60 days to appeal Council’s to the Oregon Supreme Court.
Echo Solar Project – Notice of Intent The Department anticipates submittal of the preliminary application for site certificate in early 2023.
Eugene to Medford Transmission Line – Preliminary Request for Amendment The Draft Proposed Order is on hold pending an update on the federal review process from the certificate holder.
Montague Solar Facility – ADR Review The Department anticipates issuance of a determination on whether the proposed changes require a site certificate amendment under OAR 345-027-0350(4) in 2022.
Nolin Hills Wind Project – Contested Case A pre-hearing conference on the contested case was held October 5, 2022. The contested case process and schedule will be established in the Case Management Order to be issued in November 2022.
Oregon Trail Solar – Preliminary Request for Amendment (pRFA) The Department conducted its completeness review of the pRFA and determined the pRFA to be incomplete and sent Request for Additional Information 1 (RAI1) to the certificate holder on October 12, 2022. The Department is reviewing the pRFA and the Type B Determination Request at this time. The certificate holder is preparing responses to RAI1.
Perennial Wind Chaser Station – Comment Period At its September 27, 2022 meeting, Council approved a Final Order with findings of fact, reasoning, and conclusions of law approving both the proposed final retirement plan as the final retirement plan and terminating the site certificate. Once the Final Order is issued by the Department on behalf of Council, there will be a 60 day appeal period as required by ORS 183.480.
Stateline Wind Project – ADR Under Review The amendment determination request was received on October 11, 2022. On October 27, 2022 the Department concluded that an amendment was not required and sent out a courtesy email through the ClickDimensions email system. These updates were provided to the Energy Facility Siting Council on October 28, 2022 during the Council Secretary Report. One Council member indicated the potential for referring the Department’s determination to Council for concurrence, modification, or rejection, per OAR 345-027-0357(6). If the Department determination is referred to Council for concurrence, modification, or rejections, that will occur at either the November or December meeting.
Wagon Trail Solar Project – Completeness Review On October 27, 2022 the Department determined the preliminary application for site certificate to be incomplete. The Department’s review of the preliminary application for site certificate, transmittal of RAI’s, and reviewing agency coordination is ongoing.
West End Solar Energy Project – Draft Proposed Order (Expedited Review) On October 28, 2022, the Department issued the Draft Proposed Order (DPO) and Notice of the DPO. The DPO recommends approval of the ASC including site certificate conditions of approval. The comment period extends from October 16, 2022 to the close of the hearing on November 17, 2022, unless extended upon request. On Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 5:30 PM the Council appointed hearing officer will conduct a public hearing at the Oxford Suites in Hermiston. The Energy Facility Siting Council may review the Draft Proposed Order on Friday, November 18, 2022.
Rulemaking – Protected Areas, Scenic Resources, and Recreation Standards At its meeting on October 28, 2022, Council authorized staff to convene a fiscal impact advisory committee to review the fiscal impact statement included in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued on June 1, 2022. All persons who commented on the June 1, 2022 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking as well as representatives from the Oregon Association of Counties will be invited to participate on the committee. The Department will hold a fiscal impact advisory committee meeting to discuss fiscal and economic impacts of the proposed rules, and costs of compliance for persons subject to the proposed rules, including costs of compliance for small businesses. The meeting will be held on Monday, November 14, 2022, from 1 to 3 p.m. Information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the Council's Rulemaking Website. Following the committee meeting, the Department will issue an Amended Notice of Proposed Rulemaking requesting general comments on the proposed rules.
Rulemaking – Radioactive Waste Materials The Department is identifying potential rule revisions and drafting proposed rule language in consideration of comments and recommendations provided by the RAC. The Department intends to publish its initial draft proposed rules and convene an additional RAC meeting to review the draft rule language and outstanding policy issues this fall.
Rulemaking – 2022 Site Certificate Amendment At its meeting on October 28, 2022, Council authorized informal proceedings on this rulemaking and authorized staff to solicit public comment to assist in the completion of the review required under ORS 183.405, and to solicit interest in service on a Rulemaking Advisory Committee for the rulemaking. Additional details on the information being sought and how to provide comments is available on the Council's rulemaking website. All comments must be received by December 1, 2022, to be considered as part of the 5-year review. Following completion of the 5-year review, staff will present the results and preliminary recommendations for rulemaking, including recommendations for RAC membership to Council.