Chapter 875
AN ACT
HB 3244
Relating to Sustainability Board; and appropriating money.
Whereas the Governor of
the State of
Whereas efforts in
advancing sustainability exist throughout state government and a Sustainability
Board would complement those efforts statewide; and
Whereas it is the intent
of the Governor and the Legislative Assembly, in pursuit of goals for state
government, that the state should employ the knowledge, expertise and
creativity of Oregon’s citizens, build upon existing private and public efforts
throughout the state to ensure efficient and complementary results, develop
voluntary, performance oriented systems to supplement traditional regulatory
approaches, use good science to measure resource use, environmental health and
costs to determine progress in achieving desired outcomes and establish clear
measurable goals and targets to guide state efforts toward sustainability; and
Whereas initial efforts
to develop and utilize sustainable practices are occurring in business and
citizen organizations, and there exists an opportunity to find broad agreement
and support for practical steps toward more sustainable practices in
Whereas it is desirable
to ensure that the state implements these directions and extends these goals
and actions to any entity or sector that wishes to share in these goals or
actions; now, therefore,
Be It Enacted by the People of
the State of
SECTION 1. For purposes of sections 1 to 7 of this 2007
Act:
(1) “Board” means the
Sustainability Board established pursuant to section 2 of this 2007 Act.
(2) “Sustainability” has
the meaning given that term in ORS 184.421.
SECTION 2. (1) There is created within the Oregon
Department of Administrative Services a Sustainability Board consisting of the
Governor or the Governor’s representative and 10 additional members appointed
by the Governor. In appointing members, the Governor shall seek to appoint
persons from all geographic regions of the state and from all communities who
have a demonstrated ability to work in a cooperative and collaborative manner
with people of diverse interests. The Governor shall also seek to appoint
members from the following fields who have experience in matters pertinent to
the effective operation of the board:
(a) Business;
(b) Small business;
(c) Natural resources,
community health or economics;
(d) Sustainability; and
(e) Conservation of
natural resources.
(2) The term of office
of each member is four years, but a member serves at the pleasure of the
Governor. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the Governor shall
appoint a successor whose term begins on the January 1 next following. A member
is eligible for reappointment. If there is a vacancy for any cause, the
Governor shall make an appointment to become immediately effective for the
unexpired term.
(3) The members of the
board must be residents of this state. Failure of a member to maintain
compliance with the eligibility requirements related to the member’s
appointment shall result in disqualification from serving on the board.
(4) The appointment of a
member of the board is subject to confirmation by the Senate in the manner
prescribed in ORS 171.562 and 171.565.
(5) All agencies,
departments and officers of this state are directed to assist the board in the
performance of its functions and to furnish such information and advice as the
members of the board consider necessary to perform their functions.
SECTION 3. (1) In addition to any other duties or
powers provided by law, the Sustainability Board:
(a) Shall identify,
evaluate, make recommendations and propose legislation, regulatory changes or
policy modifications to agencies, the Governor, the Legislative Assembly, private
entities or other bodies for the purpose of encouraging activities that best
sustain, protect and enhance the quality of the environment, economy and
community for the present and future benefit of Oregonians.
(b) Shall develop and
promote policies and programs that will assist in the meeting of sustainability
goals specified in ORS 184.423.
(c) Shall submit a
biennial report to the Legislative Assembly by March 31 of each odd-numbered
year on the board’s activities and recommendations.
(d) May apply for and
accept, from whatever source, appropriations, gifts or grants of money or other
property. The board shall deposit moneys received under this paragraph into the
State Treasury to the credit of the Sustainability Board Fund established under
section 7 of this 2007 Act.
(e) Shall consult with
and seek comment from trade associations, organizations, businesses and other
groups and individuals representing pertinent interests as part of developing
recommendations.
(f) Shall develop and
promote proposals that jointly and mutually enhance local economies, the
environment and community health for the present and future benefit of
Oregonians.
(2) Nothing in this
section is meant to discourage or prohibit any person, group or committee from
discussing or proposing mechanisms, including the modification of tax policies,
to promote sustainability.
SECTION 4. Notwithstanding the term of office specified
by section 2 of this 2007 Act, of the members first appointed to the
Sustainability Board:
(1) Two shall serve for
a term ending January 1, 2009.
(2) Three shall serve
for terms ending January 1, 2010.
(3) Three shall serve
for terms ending January 1, 2011.
(4) Two shall serve for
terms ending July 1, 2011.
SECTION 5. (1) The Governor, or a member of the
Sustainability Board designated by the Governor, shall serve as the chairperson
of the board. The board shall select one of its members as vice chairperson.
The board shall determine the terms, duties and powers necessary for the
performance of the functions of such offices.
(2) A majority of the
members of the board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.
(3) The board shall meet
at least once every three months at a place, day and hour determined by the
board. The board also shall meet at other times and places specified by the
call of the chairperson or of a majority of the members of the board.
SECTION 6. In accordance with applicable provisions of
ORS chapter 183, the Sustainability Board may adopt rules necessary for
governing its operations and procedures.
SECTION 7. (1) The Sustainability Board Fund is
established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund.
(2) All moneys received
by the Sustainability Board under section 3 of this 2007 Act shall be deposited
into the Sustainability Board Fund. Such moneys are continuously appropriated
to the Sustainability Board for the purposes of administering sections 1 to 7
of this 2007 Act.
Approved by the Governor July 31, 2007
Filed in the office of Secretary of State July 31, 2007
Effective date January 1, 2008
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