Energy Facility Siting Council To Meet February 23-24 in The Dalles

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CONTACT:
Cliff Voliva, 503-378-3637

SALEM — A pair of rulemaking projects and a proposed wind farm under review for an amendment will be the focus of discussion at the next Energy Facility Siting Council meeting on February 23-24 in The Dalles.

The meeting begins at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday and at 8:30 a.m. on Friday at Cousins’ Country Inn Banquet Room, 2114 W. 6th St.

The main items on the Council’s agenda include:

  • Sage-Grouse Rulemaking: The Council will hold a public hearing Thursday on the rulemaking that proposes to incorporate Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife sage-grouse rules into the EFSC rules, and proposes to remove the requirements to identify federally listed threatened and endangered species in an application for a site certificate. On Friday, the Council will consider the proposed rules and public comments, and may take action to approve the rules.
  • Amendment Rulemaking: The Council will hold a public hearing Friday on the rulemaking that proposes a reorganization of Oregon Administrative Rules governing requests for amendments to site certificates – OAR Chapter 345, Division 27. These changes are intended to clarify points of past confusion in existing rules, improve organization, increase the public’s opportunity for participation, and, where possible, make the amendment review processes more efficient. After the rulemaking hearing, the Council may decide to extend the comment period, schedule a second rulemaking hearing, or postpone consideration of comments received to a future EFSC meeting. Alternatively, the Council may decide to consider comments received, consider the proposed rules, and potentially take action to approve the rules.
  • Golden Hills Wind Project (Sherman County): The Council will consider the certificate holder’s Request for Amendment 3 in a revised proposed order on Friday.

The full meeting agenda, including information on accessing the meeting remotely, is available on the Oregon Department of Energy website: www.oregon.gov/energy/facilities-safety/facilities/Pages/Council-Meetings.aspx.

To request an interpreter for the hearing impaired or accommodations for persons with disabilities, please contact the department at least 72 hours before the meeting at 1-800-221-8035 or fax 503-373-7806. TTY users should call the Oregon Relay Service at 711.

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