Latest news with #WildfireHazardMap
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oregon Republicans say Dems delaying vote on wildfire map repeal to get votes for wildfire funding
A wildfire outside Ukiah in Umatilla County in 2024, part of the Battle Mountain Complex of fires that burned more than 183,000 acres. Gov. Tina Kotek has asked the Oregon Legislature for more than a year to find more, stable funding to fight wildfires in the state. (Courtesy of Northwest Interagency Coordination Center) A bill to repeal the state's unpopular Wildfire Hazard Map passed the Oregon Senate unanimously in April, signaling it would be one of the least controversial and most bipartisan bills to pass this session. But that momentum hit unexpected headwinds May 22, when the bill — Senate Bill 83 — landed in the Oregon House's Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment, where Democrats opted to send it to the House Rules Committee, rather than to the House floor for a final vote. The decision to delay a vote on Senate Bill 83 came as a surprise to Republicans on the Committee, who later accused Democrats, House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, and Gov. Tina Kotek of using it as a bargaining chip in negotiations over a wildfire funding proposal that would redirect $1 billion from the state's 'kicker' tax return. That proposal would require a two-thirds supermajority vote in each chamber, meaning at least two Senate Republicans and four House Republicans would need to approve along with all legislative Democrats. 'The speaker has been consistent that we cannot responsibly repeal the wildfire risk maps without also having a clear, workable plan for how we manage wildfire risk in the future, including how we fund that work,' Jill Bakken, Fahey's spokesperson, said in an email. Anca Matica, a Kotek spokesperson, said in an email that 'the legislative branch is the custodian of information regarding bills moving through the legislative process, not the Governor's Office.' Oregon Republicans have long insisted that the kicker — returned to Oregon taxpayers when personal income taxes collected by the state end up at least 2% higher than budgeted — is not to be spent by the Legislature. In a news release May 22, Ashley Kuenzi, communications director for the Oregon Senate Republicans, said the 'spirit of collaboration has seemingly vanished' between Democrats and Republicans on Senate Bill 83. State Sen. David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford, who supported its passage in the Senate, said in the release it was a 'stunning reversal' and 'clear betrayal.' 'Holding rural Oregonians hostage over votes for future wildfire funding is not only obscene, but disgraceful. Put the damn bill on the floor for a vote!' he said. If passed, Senate Bill 83 would repeal the map produced under a multi-year effort by scientists at state agencies and Oregon State University that show where the highest risk of wildfires are throughout the state. The map provoked backlash from homeowners in some high-risk areas worried about wildfire insurance rates and coverage and potentially having to comply with new building requirements. State Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, who carried Senate Bill 83 in the Senate, has been outspoken that the map should be repealed because of unintended consequences, including widespread misinformation about how the map was intended to be used, creating distrust between some property owners and state agencies. In a text, Golden said House Democrats' decision not to move the bill straight to the House floor for a vote is making the repeal of the maps 'more complicated than it needed to be.' 'To me, the smartest path from the start was to unite around map repeal and get it to the Governor's desk to show folks we all put protecting the state ahead of politics,' he said. 'That's what we did in the Senate. Looks like the thinking in the House was different but nobody's told me what it is.' Golden is also behind the proposal just now gaining steam to use $1 billion of the state's anticipated $1.64 billion kicker to fund much needed wildfire prevention and response work throughout the state. Golden proposed the idea months ago to little fanfare, but Gov. Tina Kotek recently signaled her support for the idea in the absence of other options, telling reporters at a news conference May 20 it would be 'a beneficial approach.' Kotek has asked the Legislature for more than a year to come up with a reliable and consistent funding mechanism to support statewide wildfire work and has so far not received any proposals that come close to meeting her desired target of an additional $150 million per year. Putting $1 billion of the kicker into an account that accrues 5% interest each year could provide the state with at least $50 million of that. 'That would be very helpful for the state,' Kotek told reporters. CORRECTION: Kuenzi is communications director for the Oregon Senate Republicans, not House Republicans, as previously reported. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Proposal to make Portland Street Response its own standalone unit moves forward
PORTLAND, Ore. () — The Portland City Council's just passed a resolution to make its own standalone unit. It now sets the stage for a bigger debate on the future of crisis response across the Rose City. Driver faces manslaughter in UCC team bus crash Care, not cuffs — that's the mission of Portland Street Response. Formed in 2021, Kaia Sand helped launch the initial pilot program as a compassionate alternative for non-violent emergency calls, including mental and behavioral issues. 'These are the street crises that need, you know, an immediate calming, skilled person to come out and deescalate the situation,' Sand said. Sand is now pushing the community and public safety committee to make PSR its own 24/7 first responder branch, alongside police and fire. The changes also include a new committee for community oversight, plus full staffing and multilingual support. OR Senate passes bill to repeal Wildfire Hazard Map Not all committee members were supportive of the idea, with District 1 Councilor Loretta Smith citing a city budget that is stretched thin. 'We are right now in deficit so I am trying to figure out how do we manage that?' Smith said. The City of Portland currently faces a $93 million shortfall. Since June 2023, a Portland State University study shows the street team handled more than 7,000 calls, with no injuries, only 1 arrest with Portland police and over 40% of people helped on-site with no hospital needed. 'You send two responders and a van it's more cost effective, so it's a great thing to be doing in a budget crisis,' Sand said. Dexter not 'fearful of being loud' after El Salvador As this heads for a full city council vote, the debate rages on over funding, function and whether it'll hold up. 'It is very normal for us to change things when they're not working,' said District 3 Councilor Angelita Morillo, who is also on the Community and Public Safety Committee. A petition that has gained 10,000 signatures shows significant public support for expanding Portland Street Response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill repealing Wildfire Hazard Map passes Oregon Senate
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Oregon Senate unanimously passed a bill on Tuesday in an effort to repeal the state's controversial Wildfire Hazard Map. The Wildfire Hazard Map was created in 2021 under the bipartisan Senate Bill 762, which directed the Oregon Department of Forestry to map out fire-prone areas in the state. Under SB 762, homeowners living in areas that are at a high wildfire risk face stricter building codes and must reduce vegetation on their properties. A provision in 2023 disallows insurers to cancel or decline to renew homeowners' insurance policies or increase premiums. Despite this, the backlash against the Wildfire Hazard Map has persisted. Tribes battle PGE's plan to seize Willamette Falls land Now, with SB 83, lawmakers are aiming to eliminate the map, and the property maintenance rules, with the Democratic Majority Office noting the maps did not represent various individual property conditions 'and would have had consequences for land and building regulations.' 'We need Senate Bill 83 to heal the huge divide among Oregonians, triggered by a wildfire map that made no logical sense to thousands of affected people,' said Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee Chair Jeff Golden (D –Ashland). 'That divide was squarely in the way of building the broad-based collaboration we need to meet the wildfire crisis, which is far beyond what government on its own can solve.' While repealing the map, the bill also directs state agencies to create fire regulations that property owners can choose to follow, or municipal governments can adopt regulations to enforce at the local level. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now By voting to repeal the map, the committee also nullified requirements for sellers to disclose a property's classification on the map and that property owners in hazard zones follow certain construction rules for accessory dwelling units and replacement buildings. Under SB 83, two members will be added to Oregon's Wildfire Programs Advisory Council, including one member from the firefighting field, and a second from the insurance industry. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Environmental Quality to issue reports on community smoke monitoring and response and directs the Public Utility Commission to report on efforts to reduce wildfire risk from utility infrastructure. 'Today, we celebrate a hard-fought victory for rural Oregon,' said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). 'Senate Bill 83 repeals the most flawed and overreaching aspects of Senate Bill 762 from 2021, including the State Wildfire Hazard Map, while preserving the programs that genuinely protect property owners and reduce wildfire risks.' Washington limits armed forces from entering the state without governor's OK 'I'm delighted to see Senate Bill 83 pass the Senate,' added Sen. Noah Robinson (R-Cave Junction). 'Many of my constituents and thousands of Oregonians have made it clear: they want the ability to protect their homes without being burdened by unfair regulations. Today's vote is a crucial step toward undoing the damage caused by this flawed policy and returning control to landowners.' 'This has been years in the making. With today's overwhelming bipartisan support for Senate Bill 83, we are one step closer to undoing the harm caused by Senate Bill 762's wildfire map,' said Sen. David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford). 'I want to thank the thousands of residents who raised their voices to make this possible, as well as my colleagues for their support. I look forward to seeing Senate Bill 83 move swiftly through the House and be signed by Governor Kotek, bringing much-needed relief to our communities.' SB 83 passed the Senate unanimously and heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Portlanders should give coyotes ‘a little extra space' amid pupping season
PORTLAND, Ore. () — Although coyotes are spotted in Portland all year round, researchers advise humans to be especially vigilant during any potential sightings throughout the spring. Portland Urban Coyote Project Director Zuriel van Belle described the period from March to May as 'pupping season': when litters of coyote pups are born across the metro area. Vancouver considers annexation that could make it Washington's second-largest city 'As we get into pupping season, if a coyote is near its den where it might have pups or be close to having pups, it's gonna feel a little more territorial,' van Belle said. While the director tells people to leave coyotes alone if they're 'minding their own business,' she advises them to make loud noises — potentially by smashing pots or whistling — to keep the animals wild and push them to keep their distance from humans. She emphasized this even more for those with pets, expressing the need for dogs to be leashed because they could come across an overprotective parent. The Portland Urban Coyote Project has been tracking sightings since 2008, when a 'very noticeable coyote' sparked interest in the Alameda neighborhood. Some residents may have thought the incident was a novelty, but researchers say the species has a presence in many major North American cities. Oregon Republican lawmakers introduce bill to repeal 'flawed' Wildfire Hazard Map The project receives about 2,000 reports annually, according to the director. She noted that more reports come in during the fall and winter months, partially because that's when younger coyotes start to venture out on their own. 'They aren't as savvy yet. They're figuring out where they are going to be, and territories are potentially being renegotiated, so it might be more likely to see them,' van Belle said. She added that coyotes could be more visible in the colder months due to the diminishing tree cover impacting their usual hiding spots. In addition, winter snow makes them easier to spot due to the contrast with their fur. When can Oregon expect warm, sunny weather? Outside of the neighborhood that sparked the Portland Urban Coyote Project, the director said the organization receives a higher number of reports from the Multnomah Village and Hillsdale neighborhoods. Researchers suspect this is because the animals are more 'habituated' in these areas, or due to awareness of the project. Regardless of the time of year, van Belle urges people to protect their pets and remove any potential food sources for the coyotes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oregon Republican lawmakers introduce bill to repeal ‘flawed' Wildfire Hazard Map
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Republicans in the Oregon legislature introduced a bill on Tuesday to repeal the state's Wildfire Hazard Map, citing concerns that the wildfire resiliency tool is harming rural Oregonians and property values. Introducing House Bill 3944, Republican lawmakers said repealing the map would allow home and property owners to focus their wildfire efforts in areas 'that are most cost-effective and protect as many resources as possible.' 'Oregonians deserve real solutions, not more government overreach,' said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). 'This new legislation is a unified effort by Republican legislators to repeal the deeply flawed wildfire hazard maps and restore fairness for over 100,000 homeowners. We have an opportunity to correct past mistakes and bring certainty back to property owners across the state.' DON'T MISS: Gov. Kotek pauses referrals for appealing wildfire hazard map as state lawmakers call for repeal The Wildfire Hazard Map was created in 2021 under the bipartisan Senate Bill 762, which directed the Oregon Department of Forestry to map out fire-prone areas in the state. Under SB 762, homeowners living in areas that are at a high wildfire risk face stricter building codes and must reduce vegetation on their properties. A 2023 provision does not allow insurers to use the maps to cancel or decline to renew a homeowner's insurance policy or increase premiums, as reported by The Associated Press. Some Oregon DMV offices experience staffing shortages ahead of Real ID deadline In February 2025, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek paused referrals for wildfire hazard map appeals amid calls from state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to repeal the maps altogether. Now, Republicans are taking steps towards repeal. McCormick & Schmick's restaurant at Bridgeport Village to close 'It's unfair to penalize property owners while our state and federal governments fail to manage our forests and public lands,' said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby), who voted for the initial bill creating the maps. Drazan added that repealing the maps will empower rural Oregonians 'by allowing them to make decisions on how to manage their properties.' Adding to the calls for a repeal, Sen. David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) said, 'Rural Oregonians shouldn't have to fear government-imposed restrictions on their property.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Brock Smith, who also voted in favor of the initial bill that created the wildfire maps, added, 'This legislation is a crucial step to undo the damage caused by the wildfire maps created by Senator (Jeff) Golden in SB 762 and protect homeowners from unnecessary mandates and rising costs.' While Brock Smith pointed blame towards Sen. Golden (D-Ashland), Senate Democrats note that Sen. Golden is also leading efforts to repeal the wildfire map and is creating a legislative package to help Oregon address the 'wildfire crisis.' In February, Sen. Golden spoke about the need to repeal the map on the Senate floor, stating that the map's findings are driven by 'broad landscape factors' without giving weight to wildfire risk conditions on individual properties. Oregon representative counters bill against book bans by reading explicit excerpt In a statement to KOIN 6 News on Wednesday, Sen. Golden highlighted the need to protect communities from wildfires, and said he's concerned over 'inaccurate finger-pointing.' 'We're calling on all Oregonians to do whatever they can to help protect our communities from catastrophic wildfire. Part of that is crafting state programs in the most bipartisan way we possibly can. I'm pleased to have agreement with interested Republican legislators on removing the state wildfire map and associated requirements from Senate Bill 762; they'll see a lot of their work at the heart of Senate Bill 83, scheduled to be heard by the Senate Natural Resources Committee on April 1,' Sen. Golden told KOIN 6. 'I'm a little concerned by inaccurate finger-pointing across the aisle about the challenges of SB 762, but I'm confident we'll overcome them this session to show Oregonians the collaboration we need to weather this crisis.' Amid efforts to repeal the Wildfire Hazard Map, experts have said the maps are an important step towards identifying and protecting fire-prone areas, especially after the Labor Day Wildfires of 2020, as reported by The Associated Press. 'After 2020, we can't pretend anymore that this is just an issue for southwest Oregon and central Oregon,' Andy McEvoy, a faculty research assistant at Oregon State University's College of Forestry who worked on the map, previously told AP. 'All of those events really cried out for a statewide — a truly statewide — strategy to respond to wildfire risk.' While the Oregon Department of Forestry is tasked with publishing the wildfire maps, a spokesperson for the agency told KOIN 6 News on Wednesday that it does not take positions on legislation, adding, 'Generally, we're awaiting clarity on how to proceed under any passed legislation regarding the hazard map.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
