Newsletter: Testify on Zenith Fuels Transfer and for Data Center Transparency

Dear Neighbors,

We're back from Council Recess and meetings are back in full swing! I appreciated the taking the time the last two weeks to recharge and connect with community members in Goose Hollow at the Vista Bridge Centennial and at the Linton picnic. We have a busy Fall ahead of us and myself and my team are back and ready to dive in, more details coming soon.

Before our usual newsletter on Friday, I want to share an opportunity to give testimony on two environmental policies that are coming before Council and committee this week. Read on for more details.

In Solidarity,

Councilor Mitch Green

Help us Ban Data Center NDAs at Housing and Permitting Committee Today

Our resolution, co-sponsored with Councilor Koyama Lane, to ban NDAs for data centers is coming to the Housing and Permitting Committee today. The resolution requests that the City Administrator and all City leadership refrain from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) related to data center development and ensure that all decisions affecting Portlanders — from siting and permitting to utility rates and public engagement — happen in the open.

You can provide verbal or written testimony to the Portland City Council by registering online through the official council agenda, calling 311, or signing up in person at City Hall before specific agenda items are heard. No more secret deals or NDAs!

Zenith Transfer at Full Council on Wednesday

In the Spring of 2025, I co-sponsored the resolution to investigate Zenith energy. Unfortunately, the results of that investigation were incredibly unsatisfactory as the report did not meet basic expectations and the requirements stated in the resolution.  

Last month, the Committee of the Whole considered legislation to consent to a franchise transfer from Zenith Energy to I Squared Capital. Given the history of Zenith energy, I have many concerns regarding this transfer and as such I will continue to push for transparency and terms that protect Portlanders. This is why I voted no on the transfer, but it still passed out of committee with 5 no votes and 7 yes votes.

The vote now heads to the full City Council this Wednesday and we hope you will give public comment (either written or verbal).

I'm currently working to offer amendments that enhance oversight and respond to the environmental safety and governance concerns many of you shared in your previous public testimony and emails you've sent to Council.