Board President’s Message regarding Public Input For DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunity for Rule Changes

Hi Everyone. 

It isn’t often you hear directly from me on any topic so you know when you do, it’s important.  As Sarah and the team have so ably reminded us all, Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality will begin accepting public comments on their proposed Aquatic Life Rulemaking process beginning the first week of May. A public meeting will be held virtually at 4pm Tuesday June 6, 2023.

After multiple postponements, our collective opportunity is here.  Why is this important?  DEQ is responsible for setting and enforcing water quality standards on Oregon’s waterways, essentially deciding if fish thrive or survive.  There are interests aligned in seeing those standards relaxed and unless we make our voices heard, that could happen on the Deschutes and across the state to the detriment of all Oregonians who want the cleanest water we can and to see our tax dollars used appropriately.

The DRA will make the process of weighing in very simple so I urge all of you to send a loud and clear message to the DEQ and all our state leaders we demand the best water quality possible for future generations and that our state agencies tasked with enforcing those standards, do so without equivocation.

My best to all.