04. NXTClean Fuels (Governor Tina Kotek support letter)
04. NXTClean Fuels (Governor Tina Kotek support letter)
T INA K OTEK G OVERNOR December 30, 2025 Colonel Dale Caswell, Jr. Commander and District Engineer Portland District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 333 SW 1st Avenue Portland, OR 97204 RE: Support for NXTClean Fuels Project at Port Westward, Oregon Dear Colonel Caswell, I am writing to express my support for the proposed NXTClean Fuels facility at Port Westward in Columbia County, Oregon. This $3 billion private investment represents a significant opportunity for rural Oregon, both economically and environmentally, and has undergone rigorous review and permitting at the state and county levels. NXTClean Fuels has worked closely with state agencies and local communities to ensure the project meets, and in many cases exceeds, Oregon’s environmental protection standards. The facility has received a Removal-Fill Permit from the Oregon Department of State Lands and a 401 Water Quality Certification from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. It also underwent a comprehensive Cleaner Air Oregon review, which confirmed that local communities will not be adversely impacted by construction or operation. Public engagement has been robust, and the company has demonstrated a strong commitment to transparency and responsiveness. The project is expected to generate over 3,000 union construction jobs and 240 permanent positions, with thousands more indirect jobs across the region. It will also contribute more than $45 million annually in tax revenue to the State of Oregon and Columbia County, and over $5.5 million in fees to the Port of Columbia County. These are meaningful impacts for our rural communities. From an environmental standpoint, NXTClean Fuels will produce Renewable Diesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel, displacing up to 750 million gallons of fossil fuels annually and reducing over 7 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The facility’s ultra-low carbon intensity fuels, derived from recycled organic feedstocks, align with Oregon’s climate goals and offer immediate air quality benefits. 254 STATE CAPITOL, SALEM OR 97301-4047 (503) 378-4582 FAX (503) 378-8970 WWW.GOVERNOR.OREGON.GOV
Colonel Dale Caswell, Jr. December 30, 2025 Page 2 Additionally, the company has committed to restoring over 470 acres of adjacent land into vibrant wetlands. This will be one of the largest private restoration efforts along the Columbia River. The initiative will enhance habitat, improve water quality, and provide flood mitigation benefits. Given the extensive state-level vetting and the broad coalition of support from labor organizations, environmental leaders, local governments, and business groups, I respectfully urge the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to give full and timely consideration to this project. Oregon stands ready to support the federal review process and collaborate to ensure that this project moves forward responsibly and efficiently. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sincerely, Governor Tina Kotek TK:ta cc: Leah Feldon, Director, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Kaitlin Lovell, Director, Oregon Department of State Lands Brenda Bateman, Director, Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development State Senator Suzanne Weber State Representative Cyrus Javadi
Parent: Appendix E: Submissions & Feedback · PDF: pp. 121-122