Prineville mayor named to state Energy Facility Siting Council

Governor Kate Brown recently appointed, and this week the Senate confirmed, the addition of Mayor Betty Roppe to the state Energy Facility Siting Council.

The councilhasregulatory and siting responsibility for large electric generating facilities,high-voltage transmission lines, gas pipelines and radioactive waste disposal sites. State-level oversight of energy facilities helps ensure that Oregon has an adequate energy supply while protecting Oregons environment and public safety.

This is a prestigious appointment, as there are only seven members. Every member is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate.

Each member may not be employed by a company that has a facility or proposed facility under the council’s jurisdiction, nor can they have ever worked for a company that owned a large energy facility.

All council members are volunteers. They receive only reimbursements for traveland meal expenses when they are performing council business.

“I want to express my appreciation to Governor Kate Brown and the Senate for the appointment to the Energy Facility Siting Council,” Roppe said. “I am grateful for their faith in my ability to contribute to this important commission. I promise to give it the serious attention that it deserves.”