DEAR SAFE SHIPPERS:
It’s that time of year when we reflect on the past, be thankful for the good, and look forward to the even better.
Here’s something to be grateful for: Good News Headlines from 2017, and the folks who made it all happen. While writing your holiday thank you notes, you might want to add some of the people mentioned below to your list.
Don’t forget to send yourself a huge THANK YOU for all that you do to protect our Salish Sea!
Onward to a new year of safer shipping waters!
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TESORO SAVAGE’S PROPOSED OIL EXPORT TERMINAL – VANCOUVER, WA
Nov 28, 2017
A years-in-the-works plan to build America’s largest oil-by-rail terminal, on the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington, was given a unanimous thumbs-down on Tuesday by the state’s energy siting council. The recommendation by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) is just that. The final decision rests with Gov. Jay Inslee, a close ally of the environmental groups and Democratic activists who have fought building the terminal at the Port of Vancouver.
For more info: https://lastrealindians.com/major-blow-dealt-to-the-proposed-largest-oil-by-rail-terminal-in-the-u-s/
THANK YOU TO:
State of Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council
PO Box 47250
Olympia, WA 98504-7250
(360) 664-1345
Email: efsec@utc.wa.gov
ENCOURAGEMENT TO:
Governor Jay Inslee
Office of the Governor
PO Box 40002
Olympia, WA 98504-0002
(360) 902-4111
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THE PROPOSED MILLENNIUM COAL TERMINAL – LONGVIEW, WA
Sep 26, 2017
In a potentially fatal blow to Millennium Bulk Terminals’ proposed Longview coal export dock, the state Department of Ecology has denied a water quality permit for the project, concluding that it would cause unavoidable harm to the environment.
THANK YOU TO:
Washington State Department of Ecology
Maia Bellon, Director
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
(360) 407-7001
Email: maia.bellon@ecy.wa.gov
Dec 7, 2017
Environmental groups will have a seat at the table in Millennium Bulk Terminals’ legal battle with the state Department of Ecology. Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Michael Evans Wednesday granted five environmental groups’ request to formally join the lawsuit as intervenors in support of Ecology. Millennium is suing Ecology over its denial of a water quality certification for its proposed $680 million Longview coal dock.
THANK YOU TO:
Power Past Coal Coalition
c/o Joelle Robinson, Field Director
1402 3rd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
Email: joelle@climatesolutions.org
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TESORO/ANDEAVOR REFINERY’S PROPOSAL TO MANUFACTURE AND EXPORT XYLENE – ANACORTES, WA
Nov 2, 2017
Skagit County held a public hearing for a shoreline permit that would allow Andeavor/Tesoro to produce the petrochemical xylene for export to Asia. Several islanders, including Safe Shippers and Friends of the San Juan’s Stephanie Buffum and Kyle Loring testified at the hearing. San Juan County’s Health Officer, Dr. Frank James, provided excellent testimony on behalf of the health of island citizens (beginning at 3:24:30).
THANK YOU TO:
Frank James, MD, San Juan County Health Officer
Health & Community Services of San Juan County
PO Box 607
Friday Harbor WA 98250
(360) 378-4474
Email: frankj@sanjuanco.com
Dec 14, 2017
A coalition of environment groups including Friends of the San Juans, is appealing the Skagit County Hearing Examiner’s approval of the Shoreline Substantial Development permit.
For more info: http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/life/environmental-groups-appeal-permit-decision-for-anacortes-refinery/
THANK YOU TO:
Friends of the San Juans
PO Box 1344
Friday Harbor WA 98250
(360) 378-2319
Email: friends@sanjuans.org
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ATLANTIC SALMON NET-PENS – SALISH SEA
Nov 16, 2017
Under fire after a collapse and massive escape last summer, Atlantic salmon net-pen farming would be banned in Washington under legislation that will be filed by Sen. Kevin Ranker this coming session.
THANK YOU TO:
Senator Kevin Ranker
PO Box 40440
Olympia, WA 98504-0440
(360) 786-7678
Email: Kevin.Ranker@leg.wa.gov
Dec 17, 2017
Cooke Aquaculture Pacific has lost the lease for its Atlantic salmon net-pen farm in Port Angeles and must shut down and remove it, said Hilary Franz, state commissioner of public lands, who terminated Cooke’s lease.
THANK YOU TO:
Hillary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands
Office of the Commissioner of Public Lands
MS 47001
Olympia WA 98504-7001
(360) 902-1001
Email: cpl@dnr.wa.gov
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SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM APPEAL – SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA
Dec 22, 2017
Friends of the San Juans (Friends) appeals San Juan County’s recently updated Shoreline Master Program (“SMP”) to the Washington Growth Management Hearings Board. The SMP is the primary tool for protecting the fragile marine ecosystem that depends on the health of that narrow band of shoreline where the water meets the land. In October, San Juan County and the Washington Department of Ecology rejected requests by many public commenters and adopted an SMP that Friends believes rolls back important protections for natural beach building, fish spawning beaches, and shoreline views.
THANK YOU TO:
Friends of the San Juans
Stephanie Buffum Field, Executive Director
PO Box 1344
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
(360) 378-2319
Email: friends@sanjuans.org
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San Juan Islanders for Safe Shipping 