By: Kate Murphy, Senior Community Organizer, Columbia Riverkeeper
In a blow to public health and safety, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) approved Zenith Energy’s controversial air permit to expand its dangerous operations in the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub. This new air permit will allow Zenith to increase harm to our communities and our environment.
Despite thousands of public comments in opposition; despite Zenith’s extensive history of violations; despite an ongoing investigation of Zenith by the City of Portland; and despite expert reports disproving Zenith’s pollution estimates, DEQ is allowing Zenith to significantly expand its capacity to move dangerous products through our communities.
DEQ’s decision to approve Zenith’s permit comes at a moment when there is an active investigation into Zenith by the City of Portland. The timing of the approval also comes at a moment in which the City is actively working to improve the zoning code and comprehensive plan with the goal of reducing the risks to public health and safety associated with the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub (CEI Hub). The CEI Hub is a six-mile stretch of tank farms where 90 percent of Oregon’s fuels is stored. It is located in Northwest Portland—nesteled in a highly vulnerable area between Forest Park and the Willamette River—and Zenith is the largest facility in the CEI Hub.
DEQ got it wrong. There is overwhelming evidence from expert analysis showing that Zenith’s operations will continue to increase the risk of harm to our communities. This is a failure of DEQ to uphold its newly updated mission statement, “…committed to advancing environmental protection and justice for all communities and ecosystems in Oregon, now and for future generations.”
This is not the end of the fight against Zenith. We are proud of the work we have done together to uncover Zenith’s misdeeds and protect our communities. Thank you for continuing to do the very important work of protecting what we love. Columbia Riverkeeper remains committed to reducing harm and protecting our communities from the ongoing threats from the fossil fuel industry and we will not give up. Stay tuned.
Resources:
- Zenith Energy gets critical permit for fuel terminal in Portland, October 9, 2025, Oregon Public Broadcasting
- State approves Zenith Energy’s air quality permit, October 9, 2025, OregonLive.com
