OR HB4102

Applicants, permittees, and regulated entities may request agreements with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to expedite regulatory processes by paying for contracted services, additional staff, or other activities not covered in ordinary department operations.

DEQ must respond to agreement requests within 45 business days, either granting or denying based on project readiness and impact on other outstanding regulatory activities; denied requesters may seek reconsideration from the DEQ Director, though that decision is not subject to judicial review.

DEQ must publish all agreements, applicant notices, and lists of third-party contractors on its website, with trade secrets and confidential business information redacted.

Agreements cannot waive DEQ's regulatory authority or reduce any legal obligations of the applicant under environmental statutes; payments must not exceed the actual cost of services provided.

Amendments become operative January 1, 2027, with the act taking effect on the 91st day following adjournment of the 2026 regular legislative session.