(PORTLAND, ORE.) – Portland City Council passed the Zenith Resolution (2025-070) introduced by Councilor Mitch Green, Councilor Angelita Morillo, Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane, and Councilor Jamie Dunphy demanding the Mayor to pause any administrative actions related to Zenith Energy until his investigation of the franchise agreement is complete. During Wednesday night’s meeting, Mayor Keith Wilson affirmed ahead of the vote that he would carry out the Council’s decision.
The resolution also urges Auditor Simone Rede to investigate the facts and prepare a report detailing the City’s handling of Zenith’s Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS) applications and the competing statements and arguments made by City staff on January 21.
Councilor Green's statement: “Passing this resolution is part of how we restore public trust. I thank Mayor Wilson for reassuring Council he would carry out the investigation of the franchise agreement and I look forward to Auditor Simone Rede’s next steps. This resolution represents how City Council is the legislative body of the people and how important it is for our community members to be included in decisions that threaten their health, safety, and environment. They look to the City to treat this issue with urgency and care. Advocates and neighbors, especially those in District 4, powered this movement to raise awareness and action that resulted in this resolution.”
The resolution responds to years of public concerns for transparency and accountability of their government officials and targets Zenith Energy’s potential violations of the franchise agreement with the City; the company’s record of violations and dishonesty; and inconsistencies with City staff statements and activities concerning Zenith.
“This is a very serious franchise agreement that is going to impact people for generations to come,” said Councilor Angelita Morillo and chief sponsor of this resolution.
With the recommendation of City Attorney Robert Taylor, the Council invited public testimony, which was not initially included in the agenda. Council meetings on third Wednesdays start at 6 p.m. and have been well-attended since their implementation this year.
The final vote:
Aye (11): Avalos, Dunphy, Smith, Kanal, Ryan, Koyama Lane, Morillo, Clark, Green, Zimmerman, Pirtle-Guiney
Nay (1): Novick
This action follows a series of events since Councilor Green took office in January. City Council held a work session and first-of-its-kind listening session on January 21 where City staff, Zenith Energy staff, and environmental experts presented information about Zenith Energy and the application for a Land Use Compatibility Statement which generated nearly two hours of public testimony. Green and Morillo released their resolution on January 31 to respond to the urgent demands of the City to deny the application ahead of the approaching deadline. The City then granted the approval of a Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS) on February 3, despite public opposition.
This resolution was first introduced in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on March 10 and referred by the Committee to full Council.
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https://www.portland.gov/council/documents/resolution/actions-related-zenith-oversight
https://www.portland.gov/council/districts/4/mitch-green