Portland's Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub risks a catastrophic spill during a predicted earthquake, endangering nearby communities and the environment.
Isobel Whitcomb reports for High Country News.
In short:
- Portland’s CEI Hub stores 90% of Oregon’s liquid fuel and is highly vulnerable to a major earthquake.
- Despite known risks, the city has expanded fossil fuel infrastructure, drawing protests from environmental groups.
- New legislation requires seismic risk assessments, but activists argue more action is needed to prevent disaster.
Key quote:
“The clock continues to tick. We cannot stop the earthquake, but we can minimize or prevent catastrophe.”
— Jay Wilson, resilience coordinator for disaster management in Clackamas County
Why this matters:
A significant oil spill from the CEI Hub could lead to environmental damage on the scale of the Deepwater Horizon spill, affecting the Willamette River and nearby communities. Preventive measures are vital to avoid long-term economic and environmental harm.
Related: Pacific Northwest faces a gas pipeline dilemma amid growing climate concerns
