Release date: February 9th, 2026
Multnomah County Commissioners Meghan Moyer and Shannon Singleton
unveiled a plan addressing how the County will ensure it has funding to
deliver essential health and emergency services following a release of
hazardous materials from the CEI Hub.
The CEI Hub is a six-mile concentration of industrial facilities along the
Willamette River’s west bank. It stores the majority of Oregon’s gasoline,
diesel fuel, liquified natural gas, and other hazardous substances.
The CEI Hub is situated on unstable soil prone to liquefaction and lateral
spreading during an earthquake. With an estimated 26% probability of a
major seismic event occurring in the next 50 years, a significant
earthquake poses a substantial risk of releasing hazardous materials into
the air, water, and land, creating massive public health hazards for
Multnomah County residents.
“In the event of a major earthquake impacting the CEI Hub, Multnomah
County would face an estimated health and emergency services response
costing millions in the first year alone,” stated Commissioner Moyer. “This
resolution is a crucial first step in securing the necessary resources to
effectively serve the public during such a crisis.”
“Many Black and brown communities are left without support from natural
disasters, and often live near industrial areas where air and water qualities
are lower,” said Singleton. “Climate justice is critical and I am proud to
work with Commissioner Moyer and our state legislators on these
protections and incorporating the needs of the County into the state
legislation.”
The Commissioners' plan begins with briefing the Board regarding the CEI
Hub resolution on February 10th. The resolution directs county
departments to determine the cost associated with Multnomah County’s
response to a spill or release at the CEI Hub and recommend the amount
and type of financial assurances that CEI Hub operators should be required
to provide.
February 19th, the Board will hear public testimony and take final action
on the CEI Hub resolution. The resolution put forth by Commissioners
Moyer and Singleton directs the County to explore requirements for CEI
Hub owners/operators to maintain insurance, bond, or trust to cover
expenses and damages. Unlike liability insurance, which requires litigation
and proof of fault, these products guarantee Multnomah County immediate
access to the resources required to deliver emergency response and health
services. This work, in collaboration with subject-matter experts and
community members, will inform an ordinance the Board will vote on.
“I have been in communication with state and city officials regarding our
plan to protect Multnomah County residents,” Commissioner Moyer added.
“I want to make clear that Multnomah County’s plan works in parallel with
the responsibilities of the state and city. Multnomah County needs to have
funds immediately available to provide needed services during a crisis, and
we are making sure we can do exactly that. I’m excited to continue to
collaborate with our governing partners as we fulfill our respective
responsibilities to the residents of Portland and Multnomah County.”
