Washington denies permits for massive fracked gas-to-methanol refinery
Todays science-based decision helps ensure Washingtons promise of a livable planet for generations to come.
https://www.nationofchange.org/2021/01/20/washington-denies-permits-for-massive-fracked-gas-to-methanol-refinery/
In a recent decision, the Washington Department of Ecology rejected the proposal of a massive methanol refinery in Kalama, WA. Ecology denied permitting to Shoreline Management Act, which stops Northwest Innovation Works and the Port of Kamala from beginning construction on any of the refinerys infrastructure. The decision came after science-backed research concluded the refinery would have significant climate impact including the shorelines of Washington.
Todays decision keeps fossil fuels in the ground where they belong, Kristen Boyles, Earthjustice staff attorney, said. Governor Inslee and Ecology put people over polluters by stating once and for all that a clean energy future cannot be built on the back of dirty energy infrastructure. Critics of the fracked-gas refinery said it would pose a catastrophic risk to the fragile Columbia River ecosystem that people and imperiled species depend on to survive.
We cant keep pretending these dirty fossil fuel projects dont jeopardize our continued existence by accelerating the climate crisis and destroying essential habitat, Jared Margolis, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. Thankfully, Washington has stepped up and rejected this monstrosity.
The proposed refinery would have been the worlds largest fracked gas-to-methanol refinery and export terminal. With thousands of written comments and hours of public testimony, many residents of Kamala applauded the decision saying Ecology and Gov. Inslee put the publics interest first. People across that state have consistently said they do not support a clean energy future that simply invests in dirty fossil fuel infrastructure, Alyssa Macy, CEO of Washington Environmental Council and Washington Conservation Voters, said. Todays science-based decision helps ensure Washingtons promise of a livable planet for generations to come.
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