HB 3666
Requires an electric public utility to apply for a wildfire safety certification.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
63%
Oppose
37%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires Oregon electric public utilities and consumer-owned utilities to apply for a ‘wildfire safety certification’ from the Public Utility Commission (PUC). The PUC will evaluate these applications based on the utility’s wildfire protection plan or wildfire mitigation plan, demonstrating prudent implementation, commitment to safety, and addressing any deficiencies identified in previous audits. The certification is valid for 12 months and aims to establish a presumption of reasonable wildfire safety practices.
Key provisions
- Electric and consumer-owned utilities must apply for wildfire safety certification.
- The PUC will review applications based on wildfire protection plans or mitigation plans.
- Applicants must demonstrate prudent implementation of their plans and address any deficiencies.
- Applicants can demonstrate commitment through various measures like training and safety assessments.
- The PUC must approve or deny applications within 90 days.
- A certified utility is presumed to be acting reasonably regarding wildfire safety.
- Certifications are valid for 12 months.
- The commission will develop rules for implementation and auditing.
Who is affected
- Electric Utilities
- Consumer-Owned Utilities
- Public Utility Commission (PUC)
- State Forestry Department
- Department of the State Fire Marshal
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB 3666 emphasize the need for proactive guidance from the state to protect communities served by electric cooperatives and public utilities, which are vulnerable to wildfires. They argue that a wildfire safety certification process will add accountability and verification elements to ensure utilities implement effective wildfire protection plans, while also providing critical safeguards for businesses, homeowners, and the economy. By establishing clear standards and guidance from the state legislature, supporters believe that electric companies can manage wildfire risk, provide reliable and affordable power, and reduce the risk of utility-related wildfires that threaten lives, property, and natural resources.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the bill express several key concerns. They argue that government regulations on utilities are too burdensome for rate-payers, and that the government should not be involved in the power grid. Many testifiers also believe that the bill does not adequately address the risks and consequences of the issue, and that a more thorough examination is needed before taking action. Furthermore, some express concerns about the bill's potential to immunize utilities from liability for wildfires they cause, citing Representative Marsh's alleged collusion with electric companies as a reason for their opposition. Additionally, testifiers highlight the need for further regulation to protect small businesses and ensure accountability for the actions of large corporations.