A problem with solar power can be where to put it. If you look at a map of Oregon and its capacity for solar, the greatest potential is not near the greatest population centers. The greatest potential is in Oregon’s east and to the south.

The nearby map shows Oregon’s solar potential overlaid with transmission lines.

Wherever solar is sited, there is the potential for so many kinds of conflict — wildlife; development; land for farming, ranching and forest lands; natural and cultural resources and more. Wildfire risk should be a consideration. Solar developers have had trouble navigating the acreage thresholds in state rules. And then there is the issue of siting solar near available transmission lines to more easily and less expensively get the power where it needs to go.

A state committee is working on finding the best opportunities for solar in Eastern Oregon and looking for ways to reduce conflicts. It made a lot of sense to hold its first meeting this week where it did — in unincorporated Christmas Valley. Lake County may be Oregon’s solar center.

The committee formed because of House Bill 3409 from 2023. The committee is to come up with a recommendation to send to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and perhaps become the rules of Oregon.

The rules would not mandate changes at the county level. They would be voluntary.

If you are an aficionado of Oregon’s land use rules, you know they can spin up into raging debates. And these rules will identify conditions where solar power generation will be allowed and cover more land than would otherwise be currently allowed without an exception to Oregon’s current rules.

When the public sees what these rules allow, some may be thrilled and some may not care.

Some may be angry for acres and acres of land to be taken over by solar generation.

Oregon should be taking advantage of solar power opportunities. For most Oregonians, though, changes in what will be allowed in solar siting in Eastern Oregon may be locked in place before they are even aware.