Oregon issues draft environmental permit for Intel’s big expansion; environmental groups want more transparency

Oregon regulators have issued a draft permit that would approve Intel’s proposed multibillion-dollar factory expansion in Hillsboro. The state wants feedback on the company’s plans and their environmental impact, at an online meeting Thursday or through written comments by March 1.

Intel seeks to double the amount of greenhouse gases it would be allowed to emit in Oregon, along with sharp increases in allowable emissions of several other pollutants. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s draft permit largely approves the company’s request and sets guidelines to monitor its activities.