The House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss key legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing Oregon's economic landscape. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including Rhys Roth, Executive Director of the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure, who expressed strong support for House Bill 40 and its associated amendments.

Roth emphasized the importance of industrial symbiosis, a concept that encourages industries to collaborate in reducing waste and optimizing resources. He noted that this approach has gained significant traction in Denmark, where industries voluntarily work together to strengthen the economy. Roth highlighted a recent bipartisan delegation from Oregon that visited Denmark to observe these practices firsthand, which included state representatives and local business leaders.

The discussion also touched on ongoing efforts in Washington State, where Roth's organization is collaborating with multiple cities to implement industrial symbiosis initiatives. He mentioned cities such as Spokane, Wenatchee, and Vancouver as examples of communities actively engaging in this innovative economic strategy.

The committee members engaged in a thorough examination of the potential benefits of industrial symbiosis for Oregon, considering its implications for sustainability and economic growth. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore the proposed legislation and its potential impact on pilot communities across the state.

Overall, the session underscored a growing interest in sustainable economic practices and the collaborative efforts needed to advance these initiatives in Oregon. The committee plans to continue discussions on House Bill 40 and its implications for the state's economic development strategy.