415th regular meeting of the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission
July 22-23, 2021: Teleconference
The commission held its regular meeting by teleconference, using the Zoom web conferencing platform (for video and audio connection), and additional access by toll-free telephone (for audio-only connection).
Thursday, July 22: 10 a.m. to 4:25 p.m.
Please note, all times are approximate
10 a.m.
Welcome and meeting open
The commission will open the meeting and review the day's agenda.
10:05 a.m.
A. Action item: Meeting minutes
The commission will review and take action on draft minutes of the May 20, 2021, EQC regular meeting.
10:10 a.m.
B. Informational item: Commissioner reports
The commissioners will present verbal updates on their activities and work of interest to the commission and DEQ, including formal liaison roles with other state boards.
10:25 a.m.
C. Action item: Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program rules
DEQ will present proposed rules for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program for commission action.
11:10 a.m.
D. Informational item: TMDLs by rule
DEQ will present an informational item in preparation for rulemaking that would allow TMDLs to be issued by EQC rule, in addition to issuance by DEQ Order. DEQ intends to bring the rulemaking proposal in early 2022.
11:30 a.m.
E. Action item: CAFO Memorandum of Understanding
DEQ and the Oregon Department of Agriculture will present an updated memorandum of understanding regarding the implementation of the Confined Animal Feeding program. The proposed MOU would establish updated roles and responsibilities among EQC, DEQ and ODA for the operation of this program for the next five years.
- Item E presentation slides
- During this item, the commission will accept brief public comment on the proposed MOU prior to taking action on the proposal. People who wish to comment will be able to sign up for the speakers' list after the staff presentation, and are asked to limit their comment to two minutes or less.
12:30 p.m.
Lunch
The commission will recess for a one-hour lunch break.
1:30 p.m.
F. Informational item: Budget and Legislative Session outcomes
DEQ will present summary information on the outcomes of the 2021 Oregon Legislative Session, and updates on recent federal initiatives and actions.
2:30 p.m.
G. Informational item: Climate Protection Program updates
DEQ will present updates about the Climate Protection Program rulemaking process and policy design elements under consideration.
3:20 p.m.
Break
3:30 p.m.
H. Public forum
During this item, the commission welcomes public comment on environmental and public health concerns relevant to EQC work. The commission may allow up to three minutes per person for comments; however, the time will be set by the EQC chair at the meeting depending on how many people sign up to comment. No advance sign-ups are available, and comments are generally taken in the order of sign-up at the meeting. Due to administrative rulemaking processes, people cannot present comment on:
- Item J, Proposed Regional Haze Division 223 rules
- Item K, Proposed Title V Program fee increases
- Item L, Proposed Diesel retrofit rules
4:25 p.m.
Recess
The commission will recess the meeting until 8:15 a.m. on Friday, July 23, 2021.
Friday, July 23: 8:15 to 11:40 a.m.; executive session 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Please note, all times are approximate
8:15 a.m.
Reconvene
The commission will reconvene the meeting and review the day's agenda.
8:20 a.m.
I. Informational item: State of Oregon's Environment update
DEQ will present the annual update on the State of Oregon's Environment, as summarized through agency measures and metrics tracked across all programs and offices.
9:20 a.m.
J. Action item: Regional Haze Division 223 rules
DEQ will present proposed updates to the Oregon Regional Haze Division 223 rules for commission action.
10:05 a.m.
K. Action item: Title V Program fee increases
DEQ will present proposed fee increases, up to the increase of the 2020 Consumer Price Index, for the Title V Air Quality Permitting Program.
10:20 a.m.
Break
10:30 a.m.
L. Action item: Diesel retrofit rules (House Bill 2007)
DEQ will present proposed rules regarding diesel retrofit requirements, as directed in House Bill 2007 (2019), for commission action.
11 a.m.
M. Informational item: Director's report
Director Whitman will present written and verbal updates on agency activities and other issues of interest to the commission.
11:45 a.m.
Executive session
Following the regular meeting, the commission will hold an Executive Session. This executive session will be held pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(f) and (h).
Executive session is a closed meeting for commissioners, specific DEQ staff and staff from the Oregon Department of Justice, to discuss confidential legal information and updates. Per state law, members of the media may attend executive session; however, they may not report on the specifics or details of any discussions or information presented during executive session.
If you are a member of the media who wishes to attend executive session, please contact Stephanie Caldera by 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 22, for access information.