During a recent meeting of the Oregon House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment, significant concerns were raised regarding the state’s air quality permitting process. The discussion highlighted the complexities and challenges surrounding the issuance and renewal of permits for manufacturing and industrial facilities, which are critical for maintaining air quality standards.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has faced a persistent backlog of expired permits, a situation that has been ongoing for over two decades. This backlog not only raises alarms about air quality but also places permit holders at risk of non-compliance with new regulations. The committee noted that when permits are not renewed within their five-year cycle, they are administratively extended, which can lead to facilities operating under outdated standards.

The DEQ's struggles with timely permit renewals have been documented in various audits, including a 2018 review by the Secretary of State. The agency's ability to manage this backlog has been hampered by funding limitations, which have resulted in inadequate resources to handle the workload effectively. Despite these challenges, data indicates that the DEQ has consistently issued a limited number of permits each year, with a notable low of just four permits renewed in 2024.

The financial implications of the permitting process were also discussed, with the smallest Title V source paying around $40,000 annually in fees, not including additional costs for permit modifications. The Clean Air Oregon program, while aimed at improving air quality, has been criticized for its high costs and lengthy compliance processes, which can burden both the DEQ and the businesses it regulates.

As the committee continues to address these issues, the focus remains on finding solutions that will enhance the efficiency of the permitting process while ensuring that air quality standards are met. The outcomes of these discussions are crucial for the health of Oregon's residents and the environment, as they seek to balance regulatory requirements with the operational needs of local industries.