This is the moment to STOP ZENITH ENERGY’s expansion
By: Kate Murphy, Senior Community Organizer, Columbia Riverkeeper
This is it—our chance to stop Zenith Energy is here! The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) just announced the public comment period for Zenith’s draft Air Contaminant Discharge Permit (ACDP). This is the last permit Zenith needs to expand its dangerous fuel facility in Northwest Portland. From now until Sunday, June 15 at 5 p.m., DEQ is accepting public comments about Zenith’s draft air permit. This is our moment to stand up and demand that DEQ protect us from Zenith Energy’s plans to increase the threat of harm to our communities and our environment for years to come.
The next couple of months are going to be very busy, and your participation is so important! Check out the Zenith schedule of events below to stay informed about opportunities to engage.
What To Do
1. Sign the Petition
It only takes a minute to sign our petition demanding that DEQ deny Zenith’s Air Permit.
2. Attend the Hearings
Come to the in-person public hearing on Monday, May 12 and the virtual hearing on Wednesday, May 15.
3. Spread the Word!
Talk about the issue with folks you know, and encourage them to sign and participate.
Zenith Events – Mark Your Calendars!
Public Comment Period
This is the opportunity we have been waiting for to submit comments to DEQ in opposition to Zenith’s proposed air permit. View the Comment Guide for talking points to help get you started.
WHEN: Now until Sunday, June 15 at 5 p.m.
HOW: Sign our petition and add your personal comments here
SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS DIRECTLY TO DEQ:
- By mail: NWR Air Quality Permit Coordinator, Oregon, DEQ, 700 NE Multnomah St, Suite 600, Portland, OR 97232
- By web: Your DEQ Online Public Notice
- By email: NWRAQPermits@deq.oregon.gov
First Zenith Public Hearing and Rally – In Person
All hands on deck! This is our one chance to show up in person and let DEQ see the strength of the opposition to Zenith’s proposal. DEQ will share information about the draft air quality permit, answer questions, and accept verbal comments.
- WHEN: Monday, May 12
Rally starts at 6:00 p.m.
Public Hearing from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
- WHERE: Attend in person: Buckley Center Auditorium, University of Portland, 5000 N Willamette Blvd., Portland
- Can’t make it in person? Register to join online via Zoom
- Join via phone by calling 253-215-8782
Webinar ID: 863 5360 2272
Passcode: 746447 when prompted.
- Join via phone by calling 253-215-8782
Second Zenith Public Hearing – Virtual
This is our second chance to show up and give virtual testimony in opposition to Zenith’s proposal. DEQ will share information about the draft air quality permit, answer questions, and accept verbal comments.
- WHEN: Monday May 15 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
- WHERE: Register to join online via Zoom
- Join via phone by calling 253-215-8782
- Webinar ID: 839 0464 8181
- Passcode: 682831
- RSVP
Despite an ongoing investigation of Zenith by the City of Portland, despite Zenith’s history of violations and noncompliance—including illegal operations; and despite Zenith adding more fossil fuels (jet fuel to blend with Sustainable Aviation Fuel); and adding a new use (blending) to their plans, DEQ is moving forward with the air permitting process.
We are calling this what it is: a poorly disguised attempt of a fossil fuel company to expand its dangerous operations and call it climate progress.The reality is that Zenith wants tois planning on significantly expanding its capacity to move dangerous products through our communities.
DEQ is currently considering approving Zenith’s outrageous proposal and we need you to join us in demanding that DEQ deny this air permit! We hope you will join us in urging DEQ to see this proposal for what it is and say no to Zenith’s expansion.
Additional Resources
Stop Zenith Oil-By-Rail
For years, Zenith Energy has put our communities and our environment at risk. Now Zenith has a dangerous plan to expand its operations in Portland, increasing the threat of harm.