Tell Portland City Council to do their job! Call them now.
Thousands of Portlanders have taken action against Zenith Energy’s oil train and tanker terminal on the Willamette waterfront because it presents a clear and present danger to our communities. Last year we thought we’d won this existential battle when the City denied Zenith’s Land Use Compatibility Statement (essentially a box that must be checked by Portland City Government before Zenith can successfully apply for an Air Contaminant Discharge Permit at the state level).
When Zenith then sued the city, both the Land Use Board of Appeals and the Oregon Court of Appeals found in favor of the City. Even the Oregon Supreme Court refused to review the decision, upholding the lower court’s findings. But despite these people-powered victories, Portland Commissioner Dan Ryan cut a backroom deal with Zenith, permitting them to endanger Portland with another five years of explosive oil trains.
Send Portland City Council members a reminder that they swore an oath to protect and serve the people of Portland, NOT a Texas-based oil company whose business plan destroys the climate and threatens our city’s very existence. Here's how you can get involved:
Call City Council and Demand the Rescission of Zenith’s LUCS Permit
Commissioner Dan Ryan: 503-823-3589, commissionerryanoffice@portlandoregon.gov
Commissioner Rene Gonzalez: 503-823-4151, gonzalezoffice@portlandoregon.gov
Commissioner Carmen Rubio: 503-823-3008, comm.rubio@portlandoregon.gov
Commissioner Mingus Mapps: 503-823-4682, mappsoffice@portlandoregon.gov
Mayor Ted Wheeler: 503-823-4120, mayorwheeler@portlandoregon.gov
Here's some sample language to use in your call:
For years the Portland public has shown consistent massive opposition to Zenith Energy’s dangerous oil-by-rail operations.
Commissioner Ryan’s decision to quickly and quietly approve Zenith’s Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS) in October was a serious breach of public trust.
I am calling on you to use your existing authority under Oregon state law to rescind the recent LUCS approval. At the very least, additional public involvement is called for given the widespread outrage at the failure to deny the LUCS thus far.
The significant threats to public health and safety, as well as increased greenhouse gas emissions in the context of climate change, demand transparent investigation and public engagement.
Your constituents are fighting for our future, and we’re counting on you to rescind this permit before it’s too late. Thank you.
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