HB 3739
Prohibits a person from removing a dam.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
Committee
Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill prohibits anyone from removing a dam in Oregon. It directs the Water Resources Department to encourage the construction of ten new dams by December 31, 2030, and to create and maintain lists of proposed and potential dams since 1900. The department must then submit a report on these lists to the Legislative Assembly’s natural resources committees by September 15, 2026.
Key provisions
- Prohibits the removal of any dam.
- Directs the Water Resources Department to encourage the construction of ten new dams.
- Requires the Water Resources Department to compile lists of proposed and potential dams since 1900.
- Mandates a report on these lists be submitted to the Legislative Assembly’s natural resources committees by September 15, 2026.
- Amends ORS 540.995 to allow for civil penalties for violations related to dam regulations.
- Establishes a timeline for the completion of these tasks, with some sections expiring in 2027 and 2031.
Who is affected
- Oregon residents
- Water Resources Department
- Developers of dams
- Environmental groups
- Legislative Assembly committees
Notable changes
- Creates a prohibition against dam removal.
- Directs the state to actively promote dam construction.
- Establishes a reporting requirement for dam proposals and potential sites.
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