Justice for Trainsong

The tumultuous fight against pollution in West Eugene's Trainsong Neighborhood

We at Beyond Toxics stand with the Trainsong neighbors and all West Eugene residents because we believe that every Oregononian deserves the access to clean air, safe water, and healthy outdoor spaces.

The proposed fuel transfer facility is threatening to impose new health and safety risks and increased pollution in a community that has already taken on too much. Trainsong has been disproportionately impacted for decades by chemical pollution related to industrial activities and the residents have said ‘enough!’

This fight is central to our mission to advance environmental justice. We work to reduce the ongoing impacts of pollution in historically marginalized communities, partner with locals, and demand that land use policies prioritize people, not polluters! Our goal is to ensure meaningful community participation and prevent further environmental harm where families live, work, and play.

Background

In 2024, USD Clean Fuels, a “biofuels” company, sought zone verification of a site in the Trainsong neighborhood off Bethel Road. The city initially approved the decision, but Trainsong neighbors, alongside Beyond Toxics, pushed back. The City of Eugene Planning Division received over 200 written comments from Trainsong residents, expressing concern over the safety of the facility and impacts to public and environmental health.

The City reversed its initial decision, determining the site is in an I-3 Heavy Industrial Zone. The City concluded that the facility would be a “regional distribution center,” which is not an allowed use in that zone.

USD Clean Fuels appealed this decision to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) and LUBA remanded the decision back to the City in July 2025.

Timeline in Trainsong

May 2024: USD Clean Fuels zoning application received by the City of Eugene.

June 2024: City of Eugene approves zone verification.

September 2024: Beyond Toxics appeals decision to LUBA.

October 2024: City of Eugene withdraws decision with 90 days for reconsideration.

January 2025: City of Eugene officially reverses decision, halting USD Clean Fuels.

July 2025: USD Clean Fuels appeals decision to LUBA, who remands decision back to the City of Eugene.

September 2025: Public comment period is reopened so the City can gather more evidence.

A poster hung by a community member during opposition organizing in 2024.

Community Concerns

The proposed biofuels transloading facility in this neighborhood would pose a number of threats to people and the environment. The company estimated that 40 tanker trucks would make roundtrips to and from the facility at all hours of the day, primarily between 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

These railcars and semi trucks would transport an array of highly flammable, toxic chemicals including biodiesel and aviation fuel through narrow neighborhood roads. Community members expressed concern over air and noise pollution, traffic safety risks, and lack of emergency preparedness.

Neighbors Took a Stand

The Trainsong neighborhood has already been subjected to decades of industrial pollution, contaminated water, and toxic emissions from railyard activities and nearby industries. Then, USD Clean Fuels wanted to build a biofuel terminal in close proximity to homes and parks where our community lives.

Beyond Toxics partnered with the Trainsong and River Road communities to take a stand against the facility. We appealed the decision on September 30, 2024 on the basis that the zoning is inconsistent witht he intended use of the space.

On January 16, 2025, the City reversed its original zone verification of the site. Now, USD Clean Fuels is trying again, appealing on the basis that the City's definition of "regional distribution center" is inaccurate.

This is an ongoing situation and Beyond Toxics is committed to defending environmental justice in our communities!