March 22, 2022 – Release here
Oregon Department of State Lands Grants Approval of Removal-Fill Permit and Wetlands Restoration
Salem, OR – The Oregon Department of State Lands (ODSL) approved the Removal-Fill permit
for NEXT Renewable Fuels’ $2 billion clean fuels project. The approval allows NEXT to build a
renewable diesel facility that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7 million tons each year
and restore nearly 500 acres of wetlands to create habitat in the Columbia River corridor.
“This approval is a pivotal milestone for our clean fuels project and is a triumph for the local
ecosystem,” said Chris Efird, Chairman and CEO of NEXT. “Our project will reduce toxic
emissions along the west coast, and our wetland restoration will convert hundreds of acres of a
single-species tree farm into diverse habitat crucial for pollinators, local fauna and iconic
species of Columbia County.”
The State of Oregon adopted the Climate Protection Plan in late 2021, emphasizing the need
for cleaner fuel supplies like renewable diesel. The NEXT facility would be a cornerstone
investment in making those clean fuel goals a reality. Renewable diesel is 60-80 percent
cleaner than traditional petroleum diesel and can be used directly in current diesel fleets without
any vehicle modifications. Renewable diesel is made by converting organic material, like used
cooking oil, into fuel, and it costs the same at the pump.
The Oregon Department of State Lands received considerable comments from elected officials,
thought leaders, business owners and local community members in support of NEXT’s project.
“We firmly believe that NEXT Renewable Fuels’ investment and its associated [wetland
restoration] meet ODSL regulatory standards, provide statewide (and greater) economic benefit,
and further Oregon’s clean energy and environmental policy objectives,” wrote Paul Vogel,
Executive Director of Columbia Economic Team.
Dan Rocha, Board Secretary for the South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, echoed
those sentiments, “NEXT is not only meeting the stringent regulations set forth by ODSL, but
they go above and beyond to protect and preserve our local water resources.”
NEXT worked with ODSL to identify potential wetland restoration areas, but ultimately the ODSL
agreed the Columbia County site was best because of its unique ability to meet agency
objectives – close proximity to the proposed project and consisting of one contiguous wetland
property. Wetlands have numerous benefits for adjacent agricultural land, too, including natural
flood control, better water filtration, pollinator habitat and removal of non-native species.
“The permit application is approved because the Department of State Lands has determined
that…the proposed removal-fill activity is consistent with the protection, conservation, and best
use of the water resources of this state,” said Christopher Castelli, Northern Operations
Manager for Aquatic Resource Management at the Department of State Lands. “Use of this fuel
as a replacement for non-renewable fuels will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and moves the
State of Oregon toward meeting the Low Carbon Fuel Standards.”
The Oregon Department of State Lands isn’t the only state agency that believes NEXT meets
stringent state criteria for its proposed clean fuels facility. Recently, Susan Barnes, Regional2503-867-8100 | 11767 Katy Freeway, Suite 705 | Houston, Texas 77079 | nextrenewables.com
Wildlife Conservation Biologist for the Oregon Department to Fish and Wildlife stated, “The
department believes this proposed renewable energy project is sited appropriately, and it is
consistent with the department’s climate goals.”
Estimates show the NEXT facility would generate more than $45 million in annual tax revenue
to the State of Oregon and Columbia County. Tax revenues could be used for public safety,
libraries, veterans programs or other public services. The facility will create more than 3,500
green jobs during construction and more than 240 permanent green jobs during operation.
NEXT has signed agreements with the Oregon Building Trades and Carpenters to hire skilled
union labor for construction and remain neutral if the facility employees choose to unionize.
“Our commitments prioritize hiring locally and providing job training in the green fuels sector,”
emphasized Chris Efird. “This project is a win-win-win for state policy goals, environmental
preservation and green job creation.”
NEXT continues advancing through state and federal public permitting processes. For more
information on the clean fuels project and wetland restoration proposal, visit
www.nextrenewables.com.
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