Listen
In early 2018, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee will make a final decision on whether to permit the Vancouver Energy Project -- the largest proposed oil-by-rail terminal in the country.
A Washington state agency that spent four years evaluating the project has recommended that Inslee deny a permit for the oil terminal.
If built, the Vancouver Energy Project would move 360,000 barrels of crude oil daily from the Bakken Region of North Dakota to the Port of Vancouver. From there, the oil would be pumped onto ships and sent to refineries.
Given his role in the process, Inslee hasn’t offered his thoughts on the project. But he’s made climate change, clean energy, and the environment central to his agenda as governor. He has until mid-February to make a decision.
A possible rejection from Inslee may not be Vancouver Energy’s only problem.
This fall, residents elected a second Vancouver port commissioner who opposes the terminal. That gives the commission the votes it needs to cancel the port’s lease with the terminal, which could also happen early next year.
Related Stories:
EPA Reaches Agreement With Oregon On Portland Harbor Superfund Site
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized the next big step in cleaning up the Portland Harbor Superfund site: inking an agreement for how pollution levels will be tested. Read More » Cassandra Profita December 27, 2017
Invasive ‘Devil Fish’ Pike Make It To Lake Roosevelt Behind Grand Coulee Dam
They’ve been called devil fish. They’re No. 1 on the hit-list for invasive aquatic life in Washington waters. And they’re creeping farther and farther down the Columbia River system. Read More » Courtney Flatt December 27, 2017
Trump Administration Suspends Efforts To Bring Back North Cascades Grizzlies
The Trump administration is suspending efforts to bolster the grizzly bear population in Washington’s North Cascades. That would leave this part of the mountain range with fewer than ten of the imperiled bears. Read More » Courtney Flatt December 19, 2017