Subcommittee backs industrial‑symbiosis bill, funding roadmap work and technical assistance

The Capital Construction Subcommittee voted Feb. 27 to move House Bill 4086, as amended, to the full Ways and Means Committee.

LFO summarized HB 4086 as a measure that defines ‘‘industrial symbiosis’’ and directs the Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD) to develop a roadmap to promote voluntary industrial symbiosis activities in Oregon, with a report due by May 1, 2027. The original bill included funding for technical assistance; the -A5 amendment removed two sections and reduced the fiscal impact, which LFO said lowered the bill’s total fiscal exposure. The -A6 amendment establishes a $250,000 General Fund appropriation for OBDD’s business innovation and trade division to contract for professional services to develop the roadmap. LFO recommended adoption of both amendments.

Representative Smith spoke in strong support, citing representation of multiple ports in her district and expressing cautious disclosure of a potential conflict of interest because she knows people at the ports. Other members expressed disappointment that a particular fish‑waste project was removed in the A5 changes but said a narrower bill is preferable to none.

The committee adopted the A5 and A6 amendments and moved HB 4086 as amended to the full committee with a due‑pass recommendation. The committee scheduled a follow‑up meeting for the next Monday at 9 a.m.