Social Justice & Advocacy: Zenith Op-ed and Action Items
The city of Portland has a critical decision to make that will affect the health and safety of our climate and environment. Saying no to Zenith Energy oil-by-rail should be a no-brainer. City Council members have all expressed their objections to dangerous oil trains barreling through our communities and along the Columbia River, so what are they waiting for?
Recently, crushing blows were dealt to three of the biggest fossil-fuel companies on the planet — Exxon, Shell, and Chevron — and they should be worried because this is the beginning of the end for this climate-busting industry. So why, in the midst of a climate emergency, are our city commissioners considering locking us into decades of harmful pollution from a dying industry? We need bold, courageous leadership if we have any hope of building the resilience we will need to face the challenges coming our way. What we do now matters. Approving the development of a property that had not been used since World War II for a use that we know is harmful to our residents is not the type of decision-making we expect for our city.
Portlanders will not stand for a fossil-fuel company’s last grasp at profiting off our community to be prioritized over public health and safety and the future of our planet. The City Council should deny Zenith Energy’s Land Use Compatibility Statement so we can focus on building a safer, healthier future.
Jan Zuckerman, Portland
From the Oregonian
ACTION OPPORTUNITY:
Portland City Council has a big decision to make about Zenith Energy’s oil-by-rail terminal and they need to hear from you! In the face of a climate emergency, Portland has the opportunity to say “NO!” to this dirty oil company and assert its vision for a sustainable city—one that values community and environmental health over profits for fossil fuel companies. Please click here to act to prioritize the health and safety of our communities over profits for the fossil fuel industry. We need protective solutions and we are counting on you to do the right thing: Say No to Zenith!
