The Oregon House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss critical legislation aimed at addressing the ongoing homeowners insurance crisis linked to wildfire risks. The primary focus of the meeting was Senate Bill 85 A, which seeks to establish collaborative efforts among various state departments and the insurance industry to develop community-based strategies for wildfire risk mitigation.

Senator Jeff Goldin, representing Southern Oregon, presented the bill, emphasizing the urgent need for affordable and adequate insurance for property owners who take proactive measures to reduce wildfire risks. He highlighted the collaboration between the Department of Consumer and Business Services, the Department of State Fire Marshal, and the Department of Forestry, which aims to create a framework for evaluating and implementing effective wildfire risk reduction strategies.

Goldin noted that the bill is part of a broader initiative to form "neighborhood protective cooperatives," encouraging communities to work together in mitigating risks. He explained that these cooperatives would help standardize efforts in creating defensible spaces around homes and improving overall property resilience against wildfires. The senator pointed out that when neighbors collaborate, they are often more motivated to take action than when individuals face the daunting task alone.

The bill also aims to align state efforts with the insurance industry's standards, which have been evolving to include "wildfire prepared homes" and "wildfire prepared neighborhoods." Goldin stressed the importance of having a unified approach that the insurance industry can recognize, as this would facilitate better insurance rates for homeowners who meet established risk reduction criteria.

The committee's discussions underscored the growing concern over the impact of climate change on wildfire frequency and intensity, making the need for effective insurance solutions more pressing. The collaborative approach proposed in Senate Bill 85 A represents a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by wildfires and ensuring that Oregonians can secure affordable insurance while actively participating in risk reduction efforts.

As the committee moves forward, the focus will remain on refining the details of the bill and fostering partnerships that can lead to meaningful progress in wildfire risk management and insurance affordability in Oregon.