Activity Report Explorer

Cascade Volcanoes • Entered by Linda Buckley on September 18, 2020

Kalama Oil Refinery hearing and letter writing

September 17, 2020

Key Issue: Oil, Gas, or Mineral Development
Activity Type: Advocacy (rallies, lobbying, meeting decision makers, letters/calls/emails)
Key Partners: Columbia Riverkeepers, Sierra Club

Measurable Outcomes

Outcome 1: Advocacy actions (1 letters/postcards)

Short Description of Activity

Attended 1.25 hours of on-line presentation and hearing on the second environmental impact study generated for the Washington State Ecology dept in response to proposed KALAMA, WA. gas to methanol refinery at the Columbia River. A detailed slide presentation was followed by multiple 2-minute testimonials from the public. Several were from conservation organizations. Was invited by the Columbia riverkeepers to attend and give oral and written public comments. I then wrote comments for 30 minutes and sent to the WA ecology dept.

Reflection/Evaluation

I learned a great deal about the issue-how this second environmental impact study justifies the enormous greenhouse gas effect, claiming voluntary mitigation and greater negative impact from potential larger refineries (predicted by economic trends). 95% of the comments were opposing the proposed refinery which has been in the works for 6 years. One point is that with covid and PNW fires, the demand for methanol is even lower with climate change impact becoming clearer. The very few in favor were heads of labor unions, claiming the benefit of jobs was biggest priority-outweighing any potential environmental risks or damage. Those opposed raised fact that jobs could be generated from green industries. The moderator of hearing reflected that written comments are equally valuable as the oral comments, which gave me the chance to refine my talking points.