ORS 182.535
Definitions for ORS 182.535 to 182.557
(1)
“Community-supported natural resource collaborative” means a group that works with a natural resource agency in a collaborative manner on natural resource issues affecting the community and that:(a)
Promotes public participation in natural resource decisions;(b)
Provides an open forum that allows for public deliberation of natural resource decisions affecting the community;(c)
Can demonstrate diverse representation and balance between interests, including but not limited to environmental organizations, industry organizations and community members;(d)
Has members who are individuals or organizations directly affected by the natural resource decisions discussed;(e)
Has a governance agreement that guides its operations; and(f)
Works in cooperation with local and tribal governments.(2)
“Environmental burden” means the environmental and health risks to communities caused by the combined historic, current and projected future effects of:(a)
Exposure to conventional pollution and toxic hazards in the air or in or on water or land;(b)
Adverse environmental conditions caused or made worse by other contamination or pollution; and(c)
Changes in the environment resulting from climate change, such as water insecurity, drought, flooding, wildfire, smoke and other air pollution, extreme heat, loss of traditional cultural resources or foods, ocean acidification, sea-level rise and increases in infectious disease.(3)
“Environmental justice” means the equal protection from environmental and health risks, fair treatment and meaningful involvement in decision making of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, immigration status, income or other identities with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies that affect the environment in which people live, work, learn and practice spirituality and culture.(4)
“Environmental justice community” includes communities of color, communities experiencing lower incomes, communities experiencing health inequities, tribal communities, rural communities, remote communities, coastal communities, communities with limited infrastructure and other communities traditionally underrepresented in public processes and adversely harmed by environmental and health hazards, including seniors, youth and persons with disabilities.(5)
“Equity analysis” means an analysis used to determine or evaluate environmental justice considerations.(6)
“Fair treatment” means that no one group of people, including racial, ethnic or socioeconomic groups, should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, local and tribal environmental programs and policies.(7)
“Meaningful involvement” means:(a)
Members of vulnerable populations have appropriate opportunities to participate in decisions about a proposed activity that will affect their environment or health;(b)
Public involvement can influence a decision maker’s decision;(c)
The concerns of all participants involved are considered in the decision-making process; and(d)
Decision makers seek out and facilitate the involvement of members of vulnerable populations.(8)
“Natural resource agency” means the Department of Environmental Quality, the State Department of Agriculture, the Water Resources Department, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, the State Parks and Recreation Department, the State Department of Energy, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, the State Forestry Department, the Department of State Lands, the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, the Department of Land Conservation and Development, the State Marine Board, the Public Utility Commission, the Department of Transportation, the Department of the State Fire Marshal and the Oregon Health Authority.(9)
“Remote community” means a community with low population density and high geographic remoteness. [2007 c.909 §1; 2009 c.595 §163; 2021 c.539 §108; 2022 c.58 §§10,11]
Source:
Section 182.535 — Definitions for ORS 182.535 to 182.557, https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors182.html (accessed May 26, 2025).