Bill · H.R. 7603· House(119-HR-7603)
O&C Renewal Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 2/20/2026
- Last activity
- 2/20/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Cliff Bentz
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The O&C Renewal Act of 2026 seeks to amend the Act of August 28, 1937. It establishes permanent timber production as the primary purpose of O&C lands to generate revenue for county government services. It also lists several secondary purposes including economic stability, watershed protection, and wildfire risk reduction. The bill mandates specific fire protection standards and agreements with the State of Oregon. Additionally, it provides a new definition for the term "timberlands." Finally, it requires the Secretary of the Interior to revise resource management plans within two years.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this invest in rural communities?+5
The bill generates revenue specifically to support county government services and local economic stability.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
The bill directs revenue to county governments and focuses on local industrial stability.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+4
The bill mandates fire protection standards and includes watershed protection as a secondary purpose.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Revenue for local government: The bill sets permanent timber production as the primary purpose to generate revenues intended to support county government services (Section 2).
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Community and economic support: The bill lists the contribution to the economic stability of local communities and industries as a secondary purpose of the land use (Section 2).
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Enhanced fire protection: The Secretary is required to meet or exceed fire protection standards applicable to adjacent lands under Oregon's jurisdiction, enter into fire protection agreements with the State of Oregon and forest protective associations, and provide compensation for those services (Section 3).
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Environmental and recreational benefits: The bill includes secondary purposes such as protecting watersheds, regulating water flow, providing recreational opportunities, and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires (Section 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Mandatory plan revisions: The Secretary of the Interior must issue a record of decision to revise each resource management plan and designate timberlands within 2 years of the Act's enactment (Section 5).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+5Improves Environmental Protections+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Business Owners+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Small Business Support+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+1
- 2/20/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House