"Portland's new City Council started grappling with the city's climate issues as soon as councilors took office at the beginning of this year. One of the Council's first acts of business in January was to establish eight policy committees- including one focused on environmental and land use issues. The Council was able to spotlight some underdiscussed environmental issues- like Portland's relationship with biofuels and "renewable" natural gas -through this committee, though it's unclear what, if any, changes will result from such conversations."
"Zenith Energy was another major topic of conversation in Portland this year. Many of the new councilors came into office concerned about Zenith and other fuel companies based at Portland's Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) hub on the Willamette River, which pose environmental risks to the city. Early in the year, former City Administrator Michael Jordan granted Zenith a new Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS), allowing the company to continue its operations in compliance with state mandates."
"The city also wrestled with Portland General Electric's (PGE) plan to construct a major utility project in Forest Park. The plan, which would require removing around 400 trees from Portland's largest park, was hated by many climate advocates, who said PGE didn't attempt to find alternative solutions before proposing a Forest Park clearcut. After a city hearings officer sided with PGE to greenlight the project, opponents appealed."
Portland City Council established eight policy committees in January, including one focused on environmental and land use issues. The environmental committee highlighted underdiscussed topics such as Portland's relationship with biofuels and "renewable" natural gas, though resulting policy changes remain uncertain. Zenith Energy drew scrutiny as several new councilors raised concerns about fuel companies located at Portland's Critical Energy Infrastructure hub and environmental risks posed along the Willamette River. A new Land Use Compatibility Statement allowed Zenith to continue operations, exposing limits to council oversight. Portland General Electric proposed a utility project in Forest Park requiring removal of about 400 trees; councilors ultimately voted unanimously against that plan.
Read at Portland Mercury
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