Opponents pack DEQ public hearing on Zenith air quality permit
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Introduction:
The news topic “Opponents pack DEQ public hearing on Zenith air quality permit” has drawn international attention, with various media outlets providing diverse insights, historical context, political stances, and on-the-ground developments. Below is a curated overview of how different countries and media organizations have covered this topic recently.
Quick Summary:
- About 200 people attended a public hearing on Zenith Energy’s draft air quality permit. The company needs the document to continue offloading and storing crude oil and renewable fuels in Northwest Portland. More than 40 people testified at the hearing, all of them opposed to Zenith. Zenith officials have said that how much and what kind of fuel the company moves through its terminal in the future can’t be predicted and will depend on future market needs. The draft permit allows Zenith to use new valves and piping only for loading and offloading of renewable fuels, jet fuel and sustainable aviation fuel and jet fuel blends. It will take several weeks to evaluate and respond to comments and issue a decision. If needed, the agency may revise the permit based on the comments received. The hearing marked the relaunch of Zenith’s air permit process after state regulators put it on hold last fall in the wake of an unannounced inspection and a $372,600 fine issued to the company over unauthorized use of a dock near its terminal on the Willamette River. In a statement, Zenith said its transition from handling crude oil to renewable fuels by 2027 makes it “a key partner in expanding the supply of low-carbon fuels to the Oregon market.” Renewable fuels include sustainable aviationfuel, ethanol, biodiesel and renewable diesel.
- Zenith Energy is seeking an air quality permit from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. The company bought a 42-acre former asphalt refinery along the Willamette River in Northwest Portland’s industrial area in 2017. It uses the site to store and transfer fuels, mostly from railcars to ships. The terminal is located in an industrial hub that could release massive plumes of toxic chemicals in the event of a 9.0 Cascadia earthquake, which could happen in the next few decades.Zenith is currently operating its terminal under an old airquality permit, which is allowed during the permitting renewal process. Oregon DEQ is hosting a public information meeting Wednesday night, ahead of opening a public comment period for the draftAir quality permit. For confidential support on suicide matters call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. In the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. For support in the UK, call 08457 909090 or click here.
Country-by-Country Breakdown:
Original Coverage
About 200 people attended a public hearing on Zenith Energy’s draft air quality permit. The company needs the document to continue offloading and storing crude oil and renewable fuels in Northwest Portland. More than 40 people testified at the hearing, all of them opposed to Zenith. Zenith officials have said that how much and what kind of fuel the company moves through its terminal in the future can’t be predicted and will depend on future market needs. The draft permit allows Zenith to use new valves and piping only for loading and offloading of renewable fuels, jet fuel and sustainable aviation fuel and jet fuel blends. It will take several weeks to evaluate and respond to comments and issue a decision. If needed, the agency may revise the permit based on the comments received. The hearing marked the relaunch of Zenith’s air permit process after state regulators put it on hold last fall in the wake of an unannounced inspection and a $372,600 fine issued to the company over unauthorized use of a dock near its terminal on the Willamette River. In a statement, Zenith said its transition from handling crude oil to renewable fuels by 2027 makes it “a key partner in expanding the supply of low-carbon fuels to the Oregon market.” Renewable fuels include sustainable aviationfuel, ethanol, biodiesel and renewable diesel. Read full article
Zenith Energy terminal nearing state approval to continue operating in Portland
Zenith Energy is seeking an air quality permit from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. The company bought a 42-acre former asphalt refinery along the Willamette River in Northwest Portland’s industrial area in 2017. It uses the site to store and transfer fuels, mostly from railcars to ships. The terminal is located in an industrial hub that could release massive plumes of toxic chemicals in the event of a 9.0 Cascadia earthquake, which could happen in the next few decades.Zenith is currently operating its terminal under an old airquality permit, which is allowed during the permitting renewal process. Oregon DEQ is hosting a public information meeting Wednesday night, ahead of opening a public comment period for the draftAir quality permit. For confidential support on suicide matters call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. In the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. For support in the UK, call 08457 909090 or click here. Read full article
Global Perspectives Summary:
Global media portray this story through varied cultural, economic, and political filters. While some focus on geopolitical ramifications, others highlight local impacts and human stories. Some nations frame the story around diplomatic tensions and international relations, while others examine domestic implications, public sentiment, or humanitarian concerns. This diversity of coverage reflects how national perspectives, media freedom, and journalistic priorities influence what the public learns about global events.
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Sources:
Source: https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2025/05/opponents-pack-deq-public-hearing-on-zenith-air-quality-permit.html