Senate Confirms Katie Imes as Energy Facility Siting Council’s Newest Member

New Energy Facility Siting Council Member Katie Imes

Media Contact: Jennifer Kalez

SALEM – The Oregon Senate has confirmed Katie Imes of Lexington as the newest member of the Energy Facility Siting Council. Imes was appointed by Governor Kotek and confirmed by the Senate for a term beginning February 16, 2024 through June 20, 2027.

Imes brings a strong background in leadership and community involvement to the council and grew up in Umatilla and Hood River counties.

Imes has served in several community roles in Morrow County, including on the county’s Public Transit Advisory Committee and its Cultural Coalition. She also worked as a county Public Transit Manager and currently serves on the Lexington Town Council.

“I am honored to join the other members of the Council for this critical work of reviewing potential energy facilities in Oregon,” Imes said. “It is vital that we carefully consider future energy facilities to ensure they meet the region’s needs, meet Oregon’s standards, and minimize negative effects on Oregonians and our state’s natural resources.”

Imes will join current council members Marcy Grail, Kent Howe, Perry Chocktoot, Cindy Condon, Ann Beier, and Richard Devlin. Members are selected to understand, evaluate, and deliberate complex issues associated with proposed energy facilities under state jurisdiction and how those facilities affect Oregonians, the environment, and nearby communities. The council has the authority to approve or deny site certificates to allow applicants to construct and operate an energy facility. If a site certificate is granted, 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.

To learn more about the council and how to participate in the facility siting process visit the Oregon Department of Energy’s website.