Advocacy in Action: Springfield Chamber Opposes HB 3062, Signs on Coalition Letter

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce remains committed to advocating for policies that foster economic growth and protect the region’s ability to attract and retain businesses. In testimony submitted to the House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans, the Chamber joined a statewide coalition in opposing House Bill 3062, a deeply flawed proposal that would add unnecessary complexity to Oregon’s already restrictive land use and environmental permitting framework.

HB 3062 is not a solution to a widespread problem but an overreach that would introduce broad regulatory burdens, increase costs, and hinder economic development. By imposing excessive buffer zones and expanding regulatory oversight on industrial lands, the bill threatens to stifle business investment, delay critical infrastructure projects, and further limit Oregon’s already scarce industrial land supply. The Chamber strongly opposes this legislation and urges lawmakers to reject its harmful provisions.

“Ongoing development is essential to Springfield’s tax base and economic stability, supported by private sector commitments and public-private collaboration that drive sustained growth. However, increasing regulatory encroachments—such as those proposed in HB 3062—threaten this progress by placing constraints on development within an already scarce buildable lands inventory, slowing economic growth, and undermining Springfield’s long-term investment potential.”

– Vonnie Mikkelsen, President & CEO, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce

Below is the full testimony submitted to the committee outlining the Chamber’s position on HB 3062:

March 28, 2025 
RE: Opposition to HB 3062

Dear Chair Tran, Vice-Chairs Grayber and Lewis, and member of the committee:

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce respectfully submits this testimony in strong opposition to HB 3062. While we have joined our peers across the state in a coalition letter outlining broader concerns with this legislation, we also feel it is essential to highlight specific impacts this bill would have on our local businesses and community.

HB 3062, as currently drafted, represents an unnecessary and detrimental expansion of Oregon’s land use and environmental regulatory framework. By imposing overly broad buffer zones and restrictive land use definitions around “sensitive uses,” this bill would adversely affect the ability of Springfield businesses—both current and future—to efficiently operate and plan for growth.

Ongoing development is essential to Springfield’s tax base and economic stability, supported by private sector commitments and public-private collaboration that drive sustained growth. However, increasing regulatory encroachments—such as those proposed in HB 3062—threaten this progress by placing constraints on development within an already scarce buildable lands inventory, slowing economic growth, and undermining Springfield’s long-term investment potential.

The Springfield Chamber strongly urges this Committee to recognize the detrimental consequences HB 3062 would have on our business climate, local economy, and overall competitiveness. We respectfully ask that you oppose this bill in its entirety. Thank you for your consideration of our community’s concerns.

Sincerely, 

Vonnie Mikkelsen 
President and CEO 
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce 

More About the Springfield Chamber’s Business Advocacy Efforts
As a trusted convener and provider of business resources, the Springfield Chamber is committed to fostering policies and incentives that contribute to our competitive position in private sector job creation, retention, and economic growth. The Chamber recognizes the systemic interdependencies of a healthy economy and provides an ear and a voice for local business at the confluence of government, commerce, and community. Through a robust platform of member advocacy services, the Chamber advocates for business by increasing visibility, dialogue, and representation at local, state, and federal policy circles around issues of impact and interest to their members.