Rep. Diehl: HB 3918 fixes the permit backlog

By Representative Ed Diehl
March 17, 2025

Representative Ed Diehl (R-Stayton) has introduced sweeping legislation to improve transparency in the state’s permitting processes and eliminate barriers to economic development.

“In my discussions with many business owners, it is clear that our permitting process urgently needs reform,” said Rep. Diehl. “Some projects are being held up for months and in some cases years.”

HB 3918 would require agencies to establish deadlines within which the agency intends to process applications for permits and make the deadlines available to the public. If the agency fails to process a permit before the deadline it will refund the permit fee and finish processing the application.

In addition, the agencies will also compile a catalog of permits issued by the agency, including relevant information on processing times, fees, steps in the approval process and more.

“Streamlining permitting processes will drive economic growth by attracting and retaining companies and encouraging job creation,” said Rep. Diehl. “And once we complete these necessary steps, I recommend implementing a state-wide permit dashboard which would enhance project coordination, reduce costly delays, support critical projects and create transparency.”

The legislation applies to permits described in ORS 183.700, which includes various permits issued by the following Oregon agencies:

– Department of Environmental Quality
– Department of State Lands
– Water Resources Department
– State Department of Agriculture
– State Department of Fish and Wildlife
– Department of Transportation