When the city of Portland permitted Zenith Energy to continue operating its fuel transport and storage facility in Northwest Portland three years ago, it did so on several conditions designed to limit potential harms to the environment.

The land use compatibility statement issued by the city requires Zenith to phase out its use of crude oil, reduce its storage tank capacity, and reduce other potentially toxic emissions. The company is also required to cease operations at its local asphalt refinery.

When the city initially granted Zenith the land use credential in 2022, a number of environmental groups argued the conditions did not go far enough in curtailing Zenith’s operations in Portland, which pose a major risk in the event of an earthquake. They did, at least in theory, provide a set

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