Virtual Public Meeting: Support New Oregon Dept. of Energy Rule
On May 15, 2026, the Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) will consider whether to move a new rule update forward proposed by the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE). The new rule proposes changes and fee increases for truck and rail carriers of radioactive material through the state. Fee increases would support emergency preparedness response.
Why: Columbia Riverkeeper actively participated in the Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC), one of the only representatives not associated with the trucking or rail industry, where we advocated for increased reporting, fees on rail carriers, and increased Tribal notification. Read our comments here.
Overall, we are very supportive of ODOE’s fee increase and of the inclusion of rail carriers, despite industry pushback. Shipments of nuclear waste from the Hanford Nuclear Site are expected to increase exponentially as tank operations advance. Somewhere between 60 to 110 shipments per year are expected to originate just from the 200 West project alone. In comparison, from 2023 to 2024, the Oregon Dept. of Transportation reported a total of 349 radioactive shipments through the state. Read the draft rule, RAC comments, and ODOE responses here.
There will be an opportunity for public comment at the May 15 virtual meeting. Join us in supporting ODOE’s proposed rule. If EFSC moves the rule forward, there will be a 49-day public comment period and public hearing.
When: Friday, May 15, 2026 @ 8:30 a.m. PDT
Online: Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
RSVP: Not required