Eugene business leaders oppose a proposed land-use policy aimed at reducing pollution and protecting public health in industrial areas. The Public Health Standards project, which includes new regulations to manage pollution, has raised concerns about the potential impact on the city’s economic competitiveness.
The policy would require properties engaged in certain levels of industrial production to have water, land, and air pollution permits before receiving a building permit. However, some business leaders argue that this approach could hurt job creation and access to living-wage employment.
Residents and advocacy groups, including Beyond Toxics, are pushing for stronger protections for west Eugene neighborhoods, which are long affected by industrial pollution. They emphasize the need for meaningful protections, citing instances of companies operating without required environmental permits.
The project’s lead director, Jen Davis, highlighted the human costs of neglecting public health protections in areas with high levels of pollution. She shared her own experience of living in a neighborhood affected by industrial pollution and losing her daughter to cancer.
City staff are still working on revising the policy, taking feedback from stakeholders and community members into account. A public comment period remains open until October 28, after which commissioners will deliberate and provide recommendations for the City Council.
Source: https://lookouteugene-springfield.com/story/environment/2025/10/17/proposed-rule-aims-to-protect-public-health-eugene-chamber-worried-about-economic-impact