Portland NAACP Opposes Zenith Oil Permits
On March 3, 2021, NAACP Portland Branch sent a letter to Portland City Council stating our opposition to approving new permits for the Zenith Oil Terminal. We renew that call publicly today. Our recent deadly heatwave, ongoing drought, and Klamath Basin fire only reinforce the urgency of this decision. Download the PDF, or read the statement, below.
March 3, 2021
Dear Mayor and City Commissioners:
The Portland NAACP Branch urges the City of Portland to deny the Zenith Energy Terminal a Land Use Compatibility permit and begin the process of closing the facility. The terminal threatens communities of color and the City’s environmental justice goals.
The City of Portland has adopted goals to eliminate racial inequity in “all areas of government, including environmental justice.” Historically underserved communities are the most vulnerable to environmental degradation and climate-driven catastrophes. In July 2020, the City declared a climate emergency to address climate change. The City can align its racial equity goals with its Climate emergency and Climate Justice ordinance by denying the permit.
The historically Black neighborhood of North Portland already suffers from environmental injustice. For decades, North Portland has been targeted with racist redlining policies and gentrification. Scores of Black Portlanders were displaced by the Vanport calamity, Memorial Coliseum, I-5 and the Emanuel Hospital expansion. North Portland also has the dirtiest air and water and receives the most sewage and garbage of Portland.
The Zenith Energy Terminal transports and stores heavy and light petroleum products and has been operating without a storm-water permit. Oregon Public Broadcasting reports that two Willamette Riverkeeper groups have documented land-clearing and grading without the required storm-water permit, in violation of the Clean Water Act.
The terminal is also operating in spite of a city ordinance prohibiting the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure in Portland.
Crude oil is known to be dangerous to human and ecosystem health and allowing the terminal to continue its work, let alone ramp up its production, is in direct opposition to fighting climate change.
Explosives and other hazardous materials are stored at Zenith, which sits on a known liquefaction zone. A Cascadia subduction zone earthquake would raise the risk of explosions, further endangering the disadvantaged communities closest to Zenith.
The City’s goals for climate justice and racial equity demand that you deny Zenith the compatibility statement.
Sincerely,
Portland NAACP, Branch 1120
Environmental Justice Committee