Oregon Regional Haze Plan 

On June 19, 2009, the Environmental Quality Commission adopted Oregon's Regional Haze Plan, which included stringent pollution controls for Portland General Electric's coal-fired power plant near Boardman. The new requirements will result in significant visibility improvements and reduced pollution for Oregon's Class I wilderness areas and national parks as well as the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

DEQ proposed the new pollution controls in response to federal requirements for "best available retrofit technology." The rulemaking process included a public comment period from Dec. 1, 2008 to Jan. 30, 2009 with public hearings held throughout the state.

2009 Rulemaking Documents

• DEQ Director’s Memorandum to the Environmental Quality Commission with DEQ Recommendation

• 2009 Oregon Regional Haze Plan and Appendices

• New Regional Haze Rules, Division 223

• Amendments to Mercury Rules, Division 228

• Oregon Smoke Management Plan, Division 629

Other Documents Related to this Rulemaking:

• Summary of Public Comments and Agency Responses

• Hearing Officer's Report on Public Hearings

• DEQ Fact Sheet on Proposed Rulemaking Adoption

• DEQ’s Fiscal Impact Report

• DEQ presentation made at the June 19, 2009 EQC Meeting in Portland:

  • Proposed adoption of Agenda Item J – Oregon Regional Haze Plan and New Controls for PGE Boardman Power Plant

[print version]