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To contact me, please click here: Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We’ve hit a major milestone in the session—the first chamber deadline and exactly halfway through the long session if we go the full 160 days. Every policy bill in a policy committee had to move forward or it’s now off the table. That meant a heavy workload, and committees were working hard to move through the remaining bills.
In the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment (CEE), we worked through 28 bills in one day alone. The House Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water Committee also had a packed week—we worked through 17 bills on Wednesday. A lot of those bills impact rural Oregon directly, and I’ll continue pushing for policies that reflect our communities' values and way of life.
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The transportation package came out last week with a proposed $1.9 billion in taxes and fees once implemented. While I agree we need to find a solution for Oregon’s transportation needs, ODOT also needs to be accountable—and I didn’t see that accountability built into the current proposal. Increasing gas taxes and registration fees is not something I can support. Oregonians are already struggling, and we need to look for other solutions.
I also had the chance to tour flooding impacts in Burns with Governor Kotek. I want to thank all of the local officials and community members who’ve worked with me—especially Harney County and the City of Burns—as we pursue Capital Construction funding and emergency support. I appreciate the Governor for making the trip and taking the time to see it firsthand. Scroll down in the newsletter for the press conference and resources for Harney County.
I’ll be heading to La Grande on Friday to meet with community members, talk about project needs, and discuss next steps for projects and other priorities in Eastern Oregon.
Be Safe,
HB 3800, which focuses on long-term water solutions for the Harney Basin, has been moved to the Rules Committee. This gives us time to make necessary amendments and get it right. This is a critical piece of legislation, and we’re committed to ensuring it serves the needs of the community and reflects local input.
HB 3372 tackles a growing issue in our rural communities—how domestic well users can access water for food production, particularly when selling at local farmers markets, CSAs or helping food banks. A few years ago, the Oregon Water Resources Department began restricting the use of exempt wells for small-scale agriculture. That’s become a major hurdle for folks like Kelly Frank, who are trying to grow food locally and sustainably.
This bill proposes allowing up to 3,000 gallons per day on a ½-acre of land for these purposes. There is some opposition from those who believe any commercial water use should require a permit, but I believe farmers markets are essential for showing Oregonians where their food comes from. In committee, I said I hope all our farms—large and small—can work together. HB 3372 will now head to the House floor for a vote.
In CEE, we also advanced HB 2410, to study nuclear energy—something I strongly support. Small modular reactors could provide more efficient and reliable energy, especially in rural areas. Umatilla County is looking at the possibility of studying a site across the border from a Washington facility. This is a promising opportunity that could provide long-term benefits for our region and the state.
 Supporting Harney County in the Wake of Historic Flooding
Last weekend, Congressman Bentz was in Burns to meet with the community. I want to thank Senator Mike McLane, Harney County officials, the City of Burns, and our state partners who joined him for a roundtable on the ongoing flooding. We heard firsthand about the serious impacts—from damaged roads to failing sewer systems—and discussed both immediate needs and long-term solutions. My office is committed to supporting Harney County and working together to get the help our communities need.
 Congressman Bentz meets with community leaders, electeds and state officials in Burns.
Late this week, I joined Governor Kotek on a tour of the flood-impacted areas in Burns, including a visit with the Burns Paiute Tribe. We also held a press conference to address the community’s immediate needs and discuss long-term recovery efforts. I remain in close coordination with Governor Kotek, Congressman Bentz, and Oregon Emergency Management to ensure Harney County receives both immediate assistance and future funding support. Already, $40,000 in emergency funds has been secured to help local residents safely dispose of flood-contaminated materials.
 Governor Kotek, First Lady Amiee Kotek-Wilson and Representative Mark Owens posing for a photo with American Red Cross staff responding to a flooding emergency in Burns, Oregon.
In the News
Governor Kotek has formally requested a federal disaster declaration in response to the historic flooding in Harney County. You can read more and watch coverage of the visit and press conference below:
 Governor Kotek, Representative Owens Press Conference Courtesy of KTVZ 21
Harney County Flood Resources
Harney County Flood Clean Up
If you need some assistance in pumping water out of your crawl space/basement, or mucking and gutting, and debris cleanup please fill out this form.
Oregon Energy Strategy: April Public Engagement Opportunities
The Oregon Department of Energy continues work developing the Oregon Energy Strategy, and we are hosting public information and listening sessions this month to hear perspectives from Oregonians to inform recommendations for the strategy. We hope you can join us for these important conversations as we work toward a final energy strategy in November 2025.
Online Information Session: Energy Wallet, Air Quality Modeling, and Geospatial Analysis and Preview of Job Study
April 16, 2025 | 9 – 10:30 a.m.
The session will show insights into how energy costs might change over time so Oregonians can learn more about how modeling results could affect Oregon households. We’ll show how air quality could improve if Oregon’s energy and climate goals were achieved, and preview the approach for estimating potential effects on jobs and the economy.
Public Forums/Listening Sessions
April 24, 2025 | 1 – 3 p.m. and 5 – 7 p.m.
We believe that all Oregonians should have a voice in shaping our energy future. Whether you care about affordability, clean energy, resilience, equity, or economic impacts, your feedback will help guide our thinking. This is a chance for you to ask questions, share insights, and help inform strategy recommendations that reflect the diverse needs of communities across the state. Each session will present the same information, so please plan to join the session that works best for you.
Find additional information and meeting log-in details on ODOE’s website.
Your voice matters in shaping a more affordable, equitable, and sustainable energy future for Oregon!
Please contact ODOE to request translation services or other accommodations to participate in these meetings: energy.strategy@energy.oregon.gov.
STAY IN TOUCH
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1460
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-475, Salem, OR 97301
Capitol Email: Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov
Capitol Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/owens
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