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Local Emergency Planning Committee

How Local Emergency Planning Committees Help Oregonians

Local emergency planning committees help keep Oregon communities safe and prepared. These groups include local leaders, emergency responders, businesses, and community members who work together to improve emergency plans, raise awareness, and ensure hazardous materials are handled safely. Local emergency planning committees help government, businesses, and the public collaborate to reduce risks and respond quickly to emergencies, protecting people, property, and the environment.

The federal Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act created a provision for states to establish a State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) and local emergency planning committees (LEPC).

Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grant

The application period for the 2025-27 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) sub-recipient year three is open until Thursday, December 31 at 11:59 p.m.

Join us for a webinar about the application on October 22 from 2-3:30 p.m. Click here to join.

Application Guide

Application Form

Questions:
osfm.hmep@osfm.oregon.gov




List of Local Emergency Planning Committees

Meeting minutes are available upon request. To request a copy, submit a public records request.

Carrie Karl - Chair

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Mike Russell - Chair​
Michael.russell@columbiacountyor.gov​
503-397-5090

Melinda Todd​ - Chair​
541-589-0918
melinda.todd@harneycountyOR.gov​

Richard Harriman - Chair​
541-709-7726
richard.harriman@malheurco.org

Sierra Anderson - Chair​
Sierra.Anderson@corvallisoregon.gov​
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Laura Barquist - Chair

laura.barquist@pgn.com​


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James Dunlap - Chair​
503-758-3480
jdunlap@mathesongas.com

​Rand​y B. Thorpe - Chair​
rthorpe@co.tillamook.or.us

Brian Warren - Chair​
541-969-3174  
brian.warren@pendletonor.gov

John Wheeler - Chair
(503) 846-7581
john_wheeler@washingtontountyor.gov​


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Is your county ready for emergencies? Many counties do not have an active local emergency planning committee, leaving gaps in community preparedness and response. Starting an LEPC in an inactive county empowers community members, first responders, and leaders to plan effectively and strengthen resilience together. This is a call to action: bring safety and preparedness back to your community and help protect what matters most. Let’s work together to build a safer future for everyone! 

Join or start one today by completing this form.

Inactive LEPCs: Baker County, Coos County, Curry County, Gilliam County, Grant County, Hood River County, Josephine County, Klamath County, Lake County, Marion County, Polk County, Sherman County, Union County, Wallowa County, Wasco County, Wheeler County, Yamhill County



Upcoming LEPC Meetings

Find upcoming local emergency planning committee meetings for your area; see the list below. You can switch to a monthly calendar view by selecting month in the upper right corner. 

 

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The OSFM Team

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