Like a monster, the proposed Kalama methanol refinery on the Columbia River refuses to die. Washington State recently denied a crucial permit to Kalama backers (the Chinese government), putting a stop to the world’s largest fracked gas-to-methanol refinery — or so we thought. Now the monster is appealing the state’s decision (which may be heard this summer. We will be […]
Oil spills can happen. That’s why Washington State requires industries that can cause them to come up with an oil spill contingency plan. 23 of these plans are now up for review by our state’s Department of Ecology (Ecology). Not one adequately mitigates oil spill risk to the orcas. Not one of the contingency plans fully complies with state requirements. Not one follows Ecology’s […]
“The Washington Department of Ecology denied permits for the massive fracked gas-to-methanol refinery proposed in Kalama, WA. Ecology nixed the fossil fuel processing and export proposal after deciding it would have a significant negative impact on the climate, Washington’s shorelines, and the public interest.”Earthjustice, January 19, 2021 “The environment we live in cannot be disentangled from the rest of our lives, and it is more important […]
Dear Safe Shippers,As you know, our resident orcas haven’t been doing well. Fortunately, the recent news of two new births and possibly some more calves on the way, is welcome news for all – the orcas could use all the help they can get.Let’s help them!Since the threats to the Southern Residents (lack of food, polluted waters, and vessel/boat disturbance) are […]
Dear Safe Shippers,Because of your persistent actions to oppose the fracked gas-to-methanol Kalama refinery on the Columbia River — which would be the largest in the world!!! — the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) required an additional environmental review of the project’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This Draft Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement is completed and ready for […]
While we humans were enjoying the Labor Day holiday, J35 Tahlequah, had already had her own labor day – a new baby was born to her and J pod! Welcome, J57!The other good news is that there are two expectant mothers, one each in K and L pods. This is cautiously hopeful news for our fragile […]
A NEW CONTAINER SHIP TERMINAL, LESS THAN 1 MILE FROM WASHINGTON STATE? We are saying “NO!” for the orca! The proposed Port of Vancouver Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (RBT2), if approved, would wreck the hard work we in Washington are doing to protect and recover our endangered Southern Residents. • Container ship traffic through the Salish […]
Dear Safe Shippers, Since “Safe” is our first name, we want to be sure that all of you Shippers have indeed been staying safe these days. While we have been consumed with protecting ourselves and our loved ones from threats to body and soul, the beautiful natural world keeps on nurturing us. Here is a chance for us to give […]
Thank you, Safe Shippers! Your letters and support have done it again — the Salish Sea and our orcas received some more good news! The proposed Kalama refinery on the Columbia River — what would be the world’s largest fracked gas-to-methanol refinery — suffered another setback this week. After putting the project on hold last month, […]
Dear Safe Shippers, The orcas need us to speak for them. See how you can do so by reading this Action Alert from Friends of the San Juans: Dear Safe Shippers, Did you know that 4 of Washington State’s 5 refineries are located in the federally endangered Southern Resident orcas habitat in the Salish Sea? Marine terminal […]
