Proposed Actions on Fossil Fuels in Portland
The presence of fossil fuel infrastructure and the transport of fossil
fuels presents a significant risk to community safety and public health.
Portland’s commitment to be a climate leader nationally and globally
requires a rapid transition from fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable fuels
and electrification of our transportation sector. Additionally, in the
event of a seismic event or natural disaster, we must take steps to
ensure local resilience by ensuring that Portland and the State of
Oregon has safe access to a fuel supply and such an event does not
contaminate our airsheds, watersheds, or create a major fire risk.
The City of Portland is evaluating its authority for addressing these
problems while preventing the expansion and growth of more fossil fuel
development in the city. BPS and PBEM has been working closely with
PF&R, BDS and the City Attorney’s Office to explore policy solutions to
these problems.
I. Prevent expansion of new fossil fuels development in
Portland
Action 1: City Council Re-Adopts Remanded Fossil Fuel Terminal Zoning
Code changes that place limits on storage tanks for fossil fuels.
Background: recommend adopt ‘clean’ version (no amendments) that
addresses legal questions directly.
Action 2: Adopt additional Ordinance to cover off-loading and transloading facilities; place a ban on the storage of fossil fuels and possibly
revise/add policies in the comprehensive plan.
Action 3: Consider submitting comments to DEQ for Title V Air Quality
permit renewal for Zenith and Global Partners (Clatskanie) to oppose
extension of these permits for being direct conflict with Portland’s
comprehensive plan goals to move away from fossil fuel infrastructure.
Timeline: Early Fall (October 2019)
Lead Bureau: BPS
II. Incentivize and quicken the transition to clean, renewable
fuels
Action 4: Adopt an ordinance to move implementation of Title 16.60
(Renewable Fuels Standard) from BDS to BPS; and direct BPS to return
to Council in 2020 with a proposal to update the RFS to meet the

 requirements adopted by Resolution No. 37289 (100% Renewables)
based on carbon intensity of fuels.
Action 5: Adopt a resolution directing PBOT to develop a strategy and
plan for Council consideration in 2020 for EV charging systems needed
to support transportation electrification that serve low-income
residences, including multi-family, single-family rental housing, garagefree homes as well as freight delivery.
Timeline: Early Fall (October 2019)
Lead Bureau: BPS in coordination with PBOT for EVs
III. Reduce risks to the community, increase safety and
community resilience in the event of a seismic disaster.
Action 6: Adopt a Seismic Upgrade requirement for storage tanks and
trans-loading facilities in Portland to create a more resilient
infrastructure. The requirements will be prioritized based on fire
hazard, environmental and public health risks.
Action 7: Adopt a fee on the storage or transfer of hazardous
materials, including fossil fuels, to create an emergency response fund
for clean up and remediation.
Action 8: Strengthen Community Right to Know local notification
requirements for the transfer, transport and storage of fossil fuels and
other hazardous materials in Portland.
Timeline: Winter (December 2019 or January 2020)
Lead Bureau: PBEM, BDS in coordination with Bureau of Revenue and
Financial Services