Zenith Energy operates an oil-by-rail terminal in the Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub, a six mile stretch of seismically unstable ground in Portland along the Willamette River. Studies show that a sizable earthquake would lead to an enormous catastrophe, including a massive toxic gas release and the largest U.S. oil spill since BP Deepwater Horizon.

In 2022, City of Portland officials granted a Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS) to Zenith, which it needs in order to operate, over the objections of thousands of residents and advocacy organizations. Recent investigations revealed a scandalous, behind-closed-doors approval process, including secretive negotiations with Zenith. Local organizations submitted a letter to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Governor Kotek on August 10, 2023, describing the legal insufficiencies of the City’s LUCS approval process and the legal authority for the DEQ to deny another permit Zenith needs – an Air Contaminant Discharge Permit.

However, DEQ is refusing to act.

We must call on Governor Kotek to direct DEQ to use the agency’s legal authority to protect public health and the environment from an oil company with a record of dishonesty and legal violations. Send a letter via this campaign to demand that she ensure her agencies embody leadership and use their authority to act, rather than telling advocates to seek recourse elsewhere.