By Oregonians for Food and Shelter,
Legislative Update
The 2024 Legislative Session adjourned on Thursday evening, with major accomplishments outside of our sector including packages addressing housing, drugs, and campaign spending.
Overall, OFS ended strong on our issues. HB 4059 on canola passed yesterday in amended form. While we averted an unscientific restriction on genetically engineered varieties, the bill now extends a similarly unscientific 500-acre restriction on all canola in the Willamette Valley through 2028. With certain grower groups now shifting the focus on this issue to genetically engineered crops, and interest from the Governor’s office in addressing the issue, this debate will surely continue. OFS will continue to advocate for science-based policy and coexistence solutions that benefit all producers, not just a select few.
We were pleased to see $1 million in funding allocated to the Oregon Invasive Species Council. OFS has served on the Council since 2021 and supported the funding request through HB 4148. The allocation sets aside $750,000 for specific projects and $250,000 for outreach and education. We hope this investment helps to address current impacts from invasive species and raises interest and understanding of the impacts of invasive species to Oregon’s natural resources sector.
Several other issues we tracked died in Ways & Means, including the proposed study of PFAS levels in local biosolids, soils, and crops (HB 4049, OFS opposed). Many of our members were also disappointed that the legislature failed to find stable, fair funding for wildfire protection as HB 4133 died and no funds were allocated to fill the gap on fire funding.
With the ending of Session, we are quickly turning our attention towards elections. Tuesday, March 12th is the deadline for candidates to file for the 2024 election. We look forward to working with OFS members and partners as we get to know candidates in 2024. We will be planning tours and other visits to educate candidates on our issues, interests and concerns. If you want to support this work, consider a contribution to the OFS PAC! Thanks to our members and partners for all of the support this session!
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