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Senate narrowly advances DEQ budget amid criticism it burdens rural communities
Summary
Lawmakers debated Senate Bill 5520, the Department of Environmental Quality budget, with multiple senators saying the agency is overreaching and disproportionately affecting smaller communities and businesses. The budget passed after contentious debate.
The Oregon Senate approved the Department of Environmental Quality's budget after an often heated floor debate in which several senators accused the agency of overreach and imposing costly requirements on rural communities and small businesses.
Senator Frederick presented the DEQ budget (Senate Bill 5520), which the Joint Committee on Ways and Means recommended with roughly $966 million in total funds and 894 positions; supporters said the package focuses on core services, grant delivery, water infrastructure and climate programs.
"The cumulative investment focuses on maintaining…
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