Oregon approves key permit for $2 billion renewable diesel project

The Oregon Department of State Lands recently approved the Removal-Fill permit for Next Renewable Fuels’ $2 billion renewable diesel project in Columbia County, Oregon. The approval is a key step in the project’s development.

“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. “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.”

Christopher Castelli with ODSL said, “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.”

Next Renewable Fuels continues to navigate the state and federal public permitting processes for its project, which, according to the company, is expected to begin production in 2024. Initial capacity is anticipated to be nearly 1.6 million gallons a day.