Third Act Oregon is part of a broad coalition of groups supporting a package of 4 bills being considered in the current legislative session regarding the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub (CEI Hub).
Background
The CEI Hub is a 200-acre storage facility along 6 miles of waterfront on the west side of the Willamette River where over 600 aging storage tanks store 350 million gallons of petroleum-based products, 90% of the liquid fuel used in Oregon.
This strategic reserve for Oregon is a ticking time bomb. The antiquated infrastructure is vulnerable to a wide range of risks – train derailment, pipeline breach, wildfires, and earthquake – any of which could cause huge economic disruptions statewide and catastrophic environmental destruction.
Bills now under consideration in the Legislative Session
The 2025 legislative session is considering a package of 4 bills intended to advance planning to mitigate risks in the short term and transition to a more sustainable solution.
- HB 3450 CEI Hub Transition Plan
- HB 2949, Risk Bond Study
- HB 2151 Risk Mitigation Fund
- HB 2152 Statewide Fuel Infrastructure/Disaster Fuel Reserves
See links below for more detailed information.
What can you do?
Watch this 3 minute video to learn more about the CEI Hub.
While initial response to the legislation has been encouraging, TAO and its partners are actively monitoring the bills’ progress throughout the session. Please keep your eyes open for any Action Alerts that might be necessary to ensure passage.
Since this is a statewide resource, support from members outside of the metro area may be particularly important.
The Hub is also subject to Portland jurisdiction, including zoning decisions. Members residing in Portland, please keep your eyes open for Action Alerts for possible advocacy at the city level.
Links to more information:
350PDX CEI Hub Platform 2024
CEI Hub Bill Fact Sheet
Stop the Spill video (3.5 minutes)
MCAT Brief HB 3450 – CEI Hub Transition
MCAT Brief HB 2949 – Risk Bond Study
MCAT Brief HB 2151 – Seismic Risk Fund
MCAT brief HB 2152 – Statewide Fuel Infrastructure
This is a big advocacy effort.
The TAO team on this issue is just getting underway and would welcome help. Please email oregon@thirdact.org, attention Rita Moore, if you’re interested in joining the team.