However, the project faces significant hurdles. Lane County is appealing a rejected permit and has requested legislative intervention to facilitate development. Rob Bovett, Lane County’s legal counsel, recently testified before the House Rules Committee, emphasizing that existing zoning regulations do not account for modern waste recovery technologies. Bovett underscored the urgency of securing a viable site for the facility to meet statewide waste management and emissions reduction goals.
The proposed legislation would follow a precedent known as "super siting," a framework previously used to fast-track difficult-to-place projects such as emergency homeless shelters. While the county would still be subject to rigorous state and federal environmental reviews, officials argue that the bill would streamline approval processes for the facility—regardless of its final location.
Several lawmakers representing Lane County support the bill, including Rep. Lisa Fragala, Sen. James Manning, and Sen. Floyd Prozanski. During a recent public hearing, Prozanski addressed concerns from local residents by proposing measures that restrict the bill’s scope to Lane County and mandate public hearings before the county proceeds with permitting.
“This ensures local control, allowing residents on both sides of the issue to voice their perspectives,” Prozanski stated.
Despite backing from local officials and environmental organizations, the project remains controversial. While many Eugene residents have expressed support for CleanLane, opposition is strong in outlying communities and among those living near the proposed site. Opponents—including local waste haulers and some lawmakers—argue that the bill prioritizes special interests over longstanding land-use protections.
State Rep. Darin Harbick, whose district includes the proposed facility site, criticized the bill as legislative overreach.
“My constituents have been clear about their concerns. This feels like interference rather than a fair process.”
Opposition from the waste management sector has also surfaced. The Lane County Garbage and Recycling Association, representing smaller haulers, described the bill as a "legislative shortcut" that undermines established environmental and zoning regulations. A spokesperson for the group warned that the bill could set a precedent for bypassing local decision-making processes.
Conversely, environmental groups such as Eugene-based Beyond Toxics have endorsed the initiative, highlighting the potential for emissions reductions. Mason Leavitt, a GIS analyst with Beyond Toxics, noted that landfill emissions are a major contributor to greenhouse gases and emphasized the benefits of diverting organic waste.
“The most effective way to eliminate landfill emissions is to stop burying organic waste,” Leavitt testified.
Introduced directly into the House Rules Committee, the bill avoids typical legislative deadlines—allowing for expedited consideration. As lawmakers weigh competing interests, the future of CleanLane remains uncertain.
