Small Business Ombudsman

The Small Business Ombudsman serves as an advocate for Oregon's small businesses by investigating and resolving complaints and disputes involving DEQ's air quality regulations, compliance activities and enforcement actions. The Ombudsman's role includes the review of DEQ's regulatory activities to determine the feasibility of compliance with DEQ regulations, to promote fair and impartial implementation of regulations across industry sectors, and to ensure that small business interests are represented during DEQ's rulemaking, compliance and enforcement processes. The Ombudsman also works through Oregon's Small Business Compliance Advisory Panel (CAP) to provide technical and educational assistance to small businesses.

Ombudsman contact

Jill Inahara 503-229-5001
Call DEQ toll free at 1-800-452-4011
Email Jill Inahara
Fax: 503-229-5675

Other Ombudsman programs

EPA's Small Business Ombudsman

Serves as a conduit for small business to access EPA for assistance. The Ombudsman reviews and resolves disputes with EPA and works with EPA personnel to enhance their understanding of small businesses when developing and enforcing environmental regulations.

Office of the National Small Business Administration Ombudsman

The National Ombudsman's primary mission is to assist small businesses experiencing excessive regulatory enforcement action on the federal level. Examples include repetitive audits or investigations, excessive penalties, threats, retaliation or other unfair enforcement action by a federal agency.

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