Portland faces an historic opportunity right now at the CEI Hub —one that will determine our city’s safety and environmental legacy for generations. The Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub, a six-mile stretch of fuel tanks along the Willamette River, sits on soil likely to liquefy in a major earthquake. A disaster here could cause massive fires and spill millions of gallons of fuel into the river and neighborhoods. The stakes are high: averting what would be the biggest industrial disaster in US history. For more info on the CEI Hub, check out our CEI Hub info page.
The City of Portland has released a draft plan with four options. Only one begins to address the real danger but doesn't go nearly far enough. We only have until October 17 to submit public comments to demand the plan address the real danger. Are you in?
Join us Sunday, Oct. 12 at 1pm for an online comment writing workshop. We'll walk through the four proposed plan alternatives and help you compose a direct and effective message to the City. Together we'll:
- 🚫 Reject Alternatives 1, 2, & 3: These are non-starters. They allow new fuel storage tanks to be built in this dangerous area, pretending that "renewable" fuel tanks won't spill in an earthquake. They prioritize industry expansion over community safety.
- ✅ Strengthen Alternative 4: This is the only option that acknowledges the root of the problem: there is too much fuel in the wrong place. It proposes a drawdown of fuel storage. However, the proposed 17% reduction is far too slow and based on market forecasts, not safety needs. We need a bold, accelerated drawdown plan.
This is our "Mount Hood Freeway" moment. In the 1970s, Portlanders defeated a destructive highway plan and chose a better future. Now, we must choose to phase out this dangerous fuel hub and invest in a resilient, safe city.
As expected, corporate lobbyists are pressuring the city for weak rules. We need to make sure community health and safety is the top priority, not protection of their profits.
See you Sunday at 1pm. RSVP here.