Oregon committee advances Senate Bill 551 A to ban single-use plastic items

The House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss several key pieces of legislation aimed at addressing environmental concerns in Oregon. The meeting began with a motion to carry Senate Bill 91 A, which was quickly passed, allowing Representative Neron to take the lead on this bill.

The committee then shifted focus to Senate Bill 551 A, which seeks to prohibit retailers and restaurants from providing reusable plastic or fabric checkout bags, as well as limiting single-use plastic utensils and small plastic personal care product containers unless requested by customers. Vice Chair Gamba moved to advance the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Representative Anderson, a chief sponsor of the bill, expressed his support, citing his previous experience with a similar ban during his tenure on the Salem City Council. However, Representative Owens raised concerns about the necessity of statewide regulations, suggesting that local jurisdictions should have the authority to impose such measures independently.

After a roll call vote, Senate Bill 551 A passed with a majority in favor, despite some dissenting votes. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 825, which requires the Oregon Department of Energy to adopt certain rules while eliminating specific reporting requirements. Vice Chair Gamba again moved for a due pass recommendation, which was unanimously supported by the committee members.

The final item on the agenda was Senate Bill 75 A, which removes references to the statewide wildfire hazard map in statutes related to accessory dwelling units in high wildfire hazard zones. Senator Golden provided context for the bill, noting its unanimous support in the Senate Natural Resources Committee.

The meeting concluded with a clear progression through the agenda, resulting in the advancement of significant environmental legislation aimed at reducing plastic waste and addressing wildfire risks in Oregon. The committee's next steps will involve further discussions and potential public hearings on these bills as they move through the legislative process.