Several conservation groups are challenging new rules involving the permitting process for large power plants in Oregon.
The new rules consolidate two public comment periods into one that happens further into the process of building a new power plant.
Groups led by Friends of the Columbia Gorge filed papers in Oregon’s Supreme Court this week to appeal the rules. They say the rules are designed to block citizens from challenging proposed power plant expansions.
Nathan Baker is a Senior Staff Attorney with Friends of the Columbia Gorge.
“I think over the years we’ve seen the public get more involved in energy citing decisions, and that’s the way the process is supposed to be set up,” Baker said.
The state Energy Council that approved the rules says consolidating public comment periods into one will enhance the quality of public comments.
Baker says he’s confident the rules will be appealed.
A decision is expected in the coming months.
Copyright 2017 Oregon Public Broadcasting
Copyright 2017 Northwest Public Broadcasting