FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tim Becker
Timothy.Becker@portlandoregon.gov
Portland’s Office for Community Technology Denies Request for Zenith’s Fossil Fuel Expansion
On Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, Portland’s Office for Community Technology (OCT) denied Zenith Energy Terminal Holdings LLC’s (Zenith’s) request to install three additional pipes under NW Front Avenue.
The OCT’s decision is based on the City of Portland’s 2015 Resolution No. 37168 to oppose the expansion of infrastructure for transporting or storing fossil fuels in or through Portland or adjacent waterways.
In its letter to Zenith (see attachment), the OCT notes it does not have the capacity or expertise to adequately monitor and inspect Zenith’s facility to ensure that the three new pipes are not transporting fossil fuels. The OCT also notes that Zenith is failing to meet its existing contractual commitments, noting a delayed payment of fees, and delayed reports required by the current agreement between Zenith and the OCT.
“I support the OCT’s decision,” Mayor Wheeler said. “I am deeply dedicated to protecting our environment. Portland’s commitment to be a climate leader nationally and globally requires a rapid transition away from fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable fuels and electrification of our transportation sector.”
With Mayor Ted Wheeler as its Commissioner-in-charge, the OCT’s mission is to champion public policy and technology investments for communications and utility infrastructure, to keep our local communities economically and culturally healthy. Mayor Wheeler recently added $50,000 to his proposed Fall Budget Adjustment, to help fund a study that will identify the costs and risks associated with fossil fuel infrastructure in Portland. The allocation received unanimous support from City Council.
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