Oregon's Energy Facility Siting Council is made up of seven volunteer members who are
appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
The Energy Facility Siting Council is responsible for overseeing the development of large
electric generating facilities, high voltage transmission lines, gas pipelines, radioactive
waste disposal sites, and other projects. State-level oversight of energy facilities helps
ensure that Oregon has an adequate energy supply while protecting Oregon’s environment and
public safety.
A proposed energy facility must undergo a thorough review and meet the council's
siting standards
to receive a site certificate. Standards cover issues such as land use, environmental
impacts, noise concerns, and cultural and archeological artifacts. If the council approves a
site certificate, the developer is authorized to construct and operate the facility. After
issuing a site certificate, the council has ongoing regulatory authority over the
construction and operation of the facility.
The council also regulates the transportation of radioactive materials through Oregon, the
disposal of radioactive materials within the state's borders, and the decommissioning of the
Trojan Nuclear Power Plant.
Who serves on the Council?
The council has
seven members
who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Members are selected
to understand, evaluate, and deliberate complex issues associated with proposed facilities
and how those facilities affect people, habitat, and communities. Appointees are also
selected to ensure broad geographic representation. Council meetings are open to the public,
and public involvement is built into the council’s review. The volunteer council members
receive reimbursements for travel and meal expenses when they are performing council
business.
Oregon Department of Energy employees serve as staff members for the council, handling the
ongoing work related to the regulation of energy facilities. Staff are energy experts who
research issues involved with locating, building and operating large energy facilities. They
make recommendations to the council based on their research and analysis.
Council History
Oregon's energy facility siting law originated with formation of the Nuclear and Thermal
Energy Council in 1971. The role of NTEC was to regulate the siting of nuclear and
coal-fired generating plants that had an electric generating capacity of at least 200
megawatts.
In 1975, Oregon revised its energy facility siting laws. The revisions created the Energy
Facility Siting Council, replacing NTEC. The 1975 legislation also created the Oregon
Department of Energy, which was formed to promote energy conservation and development of
renewable energy sources, and to provide staff support for the council.