Zenith Energy, a fuel terminal company located along the Willamette River in Northwest Portland, has just crossed another hurdle in its ongoing quest to secure an air quality permit. The City of Portland, while acknowledging the steps still to be taken in this process, has concluded that the facility is permissible under the city's existing land use regulations. This development is a result of the city signing off on Zenith's land use compatibility statement, a necessary component directed by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
On December 17, Zenith Energy requested this statement which, according to City Administrator Michael Jordan, represents the City of Portland's commitment to uphold its land use processes. Jordan stated, “The City of Portland has a duty to uphold its land use processes, with good faith and due process for all parties involved. We have heard from Portlanders and take their concerns about our environment and safety seriously. We are committed to working closely with the new Portland City Council on the future of our regional energy infrastructure as we make the decisions that will govern the future of energy and sustainability,” in an announcement made by the City of Portland.
The implications of this decision will further unfold on March 17 when the City Council conducts a work session about the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub, where Zenith's operations are located. This session is a planned platform for city executives and legislators to collaborate and deliberate on related matters, paving the way for future strategic planning around energy and sustainability endeavors in the region.
