By Nancy Hiser
This summer has been incredibly busy for advocates working on reducing the risks we face.
Meetings:
• Rep. Maxine Dexter who shared the importance of drafting proposals for state legislators to develop policy. Dexter has special interest in air quality and offered to support our efforts. These LNA committees: Air Quality, Tank Farm Safety, and Tank the Tanks collaborated and wrote 6 proposals to submit to state officials.
• Sen. Elizabeth Steiner reviewed the above legislative proposals and provided encouragement. The upcoming 2024 legislative session is short; the 2025 session will be a better opportunity to engage legislators.
• County Commissioner Lori Stegmann, joined Commissioners Sharon Meieran and Susheela Jayapal in offering her support to our community. She provided helpful information related to the oil companies from her work experience in insurance.
• A DEQ Cleaner Air Oregon team to establish a partnership to address our air toxins concerns.
• Separately with representatives of McCall Oil and Kinder Morgan to hear their perspectives about transitioning away from fossil fuel and share our community concerns.
Actions:
• Held a second protest action against Big Oil and the tank farms, advocating for safety, along Bridge Avenue.
• Linnton Speaks Out, our advocacy group of almost 60 residents and neighboring allies, sent a second request to federal officials to support safety proposals for the Hub drafted by Yumei Wang, a seismic resilience expert.
• The Braided River Campaign concluded its summer series of Thursday evening meetings at Green Anchors, focusing on educating people about state land use planning goals, Portland’s Comprehensive Planning process, and equitable zoning.
• Mosquito Fleet, a kayaktivist group, launched CEI Hub kayaks tours to educate folks about environmental dangers of the Hub and prompt visions of a new future for the Willamette.
People working on the above actions would welcome your support, including seeking grant funding for future actions. We’re happy to share more information about how you can help spread awareness. Contact nancyhiser@comcast.net