Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC)

Work Group Charge

The Energy Facility Siting Council is responsible for overseeing the development of large electric generating facilities, high voltage transmission lines, gas pipelines, radioactive waste disposal sites, and other projects. State-level oversight of energy facilities helps ensure that Oregon has an adequate energy supply while protecting Oregon's environment and public safety. The Energy Facility Siting Council has seven members who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate.    

The EFSC Work Group has been established to review issues and concerns regarding public participation in the site certificate application and certificate amendment processes. The work group will undertake the following responsibilities outlined in House Bill 3166A – 2017:

1. Review the statutes and regulations that govern the jurisdiction of the Energy Facility Siting Council and, upon such review, develop recommendations regarding:

a. Proposed changes to what constitutes an "energy facility," as that term is defined in ORS 469.300 (11)(a)(A)(iii), (D) and (J), that may serve to better align the jurisdiction of the council with the needs and interests of this state and local governments;

b. Ways to improve public participation in the energy facility siting process; and

c. Ways to expedite the process for receiving a site certificate for constructing or expanding an energy facility subject to the jurisdiction of the council.

2. The work group will develop recommendations for defining or otherwise clarifying in statute the term "single energy facility" as related to energy facilities as defined in ORS 469.300 (11)(a)(D) and (J), in order to better clarify when an electric power generating plant that produces power from solar photovoltaic, geothermal or wind energy qualifies as an "energy facility" for purposes of ORS 469.300 to 469.563, 469.590 to 469.619, 469.930 and 469.992.