Op-Ed: Time for Pragmatic Wildfire Policy Approach in Oregon

With the record-breaking 2024 wildfire season in Oregon officially ending in late October, it may seem like it’s too soon to talk about wildfires again, but May is National Wildfire Awareness Month – a perfect moment to think about this critical issue. Now is the time to look to the future and talk about the pragmatic policy changes the state needs to adapt to the new reality.

To continue growing its economy, Oregon needs healthy communities that are protected from the risks posed by wildfire. This economic opportunity hinges on several things, one of which is the availability of reliable and affordable electricity, the backbone of business development and the foundation of modern living. Several sectors of the economy rely heavily on available and reliable electricity, including tourism and hospitality, professional services and manufacturing and technology. It’s in everyone’s interest to make sure that this essential service remains viable.

Oregon, like many states, has seen a significant rise in electricity demand in recent years, especially during summer peak periods. For example, the typical summer peak load in the Bend and Klamath area is projected to increase by over 80% by 2030. This increase is driven by greater demand for electric heating and cooling, electric vehicles, AI, and continued commercial and industrial growth. As demand continues to climb, particularly during extreme weather events, utility providers face growing pressure to expand capacity and upgrade infrastructure to ensure a reliable energy future.

At the same time, the utilities that provide this critical service across the West have increasingly found themselves in the crosshairs, facing the lion’s share of the blame for wildfires in their service areas, sometimes before the investigation into the cause is even complete. As an example, a recent Oregon Department of Forestry report concluded that power lines were not to blame for the widespread devastation that occurred in the Santiam Canyon Fire in 2020. This contradicts a jury’s 2023 ruling that found electric utility PacifiCorp at fault. Despite this updated report, PacifiCorp continues to face significant legal and financial consequences related to the fire.

Circumstances like this highlight the need for reform. Oregon must develop and implement better ways to manage and account for wildfires while ensuring utility providers are protected from uncapped liability.

Increased investment in sustainable forestry practices is also needed, not just because it’s good for the environment, but because it’s essential for protecting lives, infrastructure and the economy. By responsibly managing our forests, fuel loads are reduced, thereby decreasing the likelihood of catastrophic fires spreading rapidly.

The economic impact of wildfire is far-reaching, well beyond the terrible damage to homes and property. Oregon’s economy suffers each year as tourism and agricultural revenues are lost, timber productivity is impacted, public health costs rise due to smoke and displacement, businesses face closures, supply chains are disrupted, and workers lose income. Wildfire also imposes major financial burdens on state and local governments as much-needed resources are diverted from schools, roads, and healthcare to emergency response and recovery efforts.

Comprehensive, pragmatic policies that address the growing threat of wildfire to Oregon’s communities and economy are needed. Policies that include robust forest management strategies. Policies that do not absolve power companies of all liability, but that provide assurance that they are not unfairly accountable, thereby allowing them to invest in reliable service and the power grid of tomorrow. Without this type of balanced approach, utilities may not be successful in providing the reliable service needed to bolster the economy and satiate the public’s appetite for electricity.

A common sense, pragmatic approach is needed. The health and prosperity of Oregon hangs in the balance.