by Dan Serres, Advocacy Director, Columbia Riverkeeper
You might have seen the recent OPB article, “Oregon regulators side with renewable diesel developers at Port Westward near Clatskanie.”
Fret not, as my colleague, Audrey Leonard, said, “We will continue to fight this project at every level. This project is still far from jumping through all the hoops that it needs to jump through.”
In January, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality will make a decision on a key permit for the NEXT proposal. Oregon Governor Kotek needs to hear from her constituents on why this issue is a step back for the region’s climate goals.
Not sure what to say when you call the Governor’s office?
Dial 503-378-4582 and click here for talking points.
Thank you for signing past petitions about this issue. As you know, this refinery would transport millions of gallons of toxic, flammable fuel along the Columbia River and be one of the LARGEST greenhouse gas polluters in Oregon. Here are just a few quotes from thousands of comments DEQ received urging denial of the proposed NEXT refinery:
“This project is a massive step backwards from the years of effort to improve aquatic habitat. . . . ODEQ should reject this water quality certification due to the project’s profound, long-term impacts on tribal resources and the region’s ecosystem.” – Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
“This proposed water quality certification must be rejected given NEXT’s planned impact on wetlands and the role wetlands play in maintaining water quality, water quantity, and maintaining a healthy climate.” – Oregon Sierra Club
“Approval of this water quality certification would have devastating impacts on human health and environmental health. Pollution from the facility and transportation of fuels would degrade air quality, harm fish habitat, and pollute the water that so many communities depend on for sustenance and recreation, including local agricultural, religious, and fishing communities region-wide.” – Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility
DEQ has the information it needs to protect the River by denying NEXT. Will DEQ listen to the voices of experts and the people who live at Port Westward? Or will DEQ authorize a major new source of toxic pollution in the Columbia River Estuary?
Your voice can help us stop the NEXT refinery pollution before it starts.