DEQ permitting bill draws wide testimony; committee hears support, concerns and requests for stronger guardrails House Bill 4102 would clarify and modernize DEQ's authority to use applicant-funded contracts or temporary staff to expedite permitting. The Senate committee heard broad testimony: sponsors and industry urged the tool to reduce an 18+-month backlog; labor, environmental and community groups supported a dash-1 amendment adding conflict-of-interest checks and workforce standards; DEQ testified it retains final permit authority.

Oregon's proposed House Bill 4102 aims to speed up the permitting process while balancing the needs for accountability and environmental protection—will it pave the way for job creation or create new challenges?

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