A group of 27 candidates for Portland City Council has called on the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to delay a decision regarding Zenith Energy’s Air Contaminant Discharge Permit.
Zenith Energy operates a fuel storage and transfer facility in Portland’s Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub, a region in Northwest Portland that holds much of the state’s fuel supply. The hub is a focal point in many candidates’ campaigns, especially due to concerns over the seismic vulnerability of its aging infrastructure in the event of an earthquake.
In a letter addressed to DEQ Director Leah Feldon, the candidates expressed concerns about what they describe as a pattern of noncompliance by Zenith Energy. They also criticized the DEQ and Environmental Quality Commission for what they see as insufficient examination of the city’s Land Use Compatibility Statement process.
“It’s time to stand up to dishonest fossil fuel companies like Zenith so we can have a chance at a livable future,” District 4 candidate Mitch Green said in the statement.
His concerns were echoed by District 3’s Angelita Morillo, who said: “Either DEQ should do its job and deny permits to a repeat offender or let the city take a fresh look at Zenith’s land use compatibility when the new council takes over.”
At this time, no date is set for the DEQ’s decision.
