Beyond Fossil Fuels

Working with our community to stop fossil fuel exports that threaten our islands.

Limited Fossil Fuel Exports

Oil extraction from tar sands and shale deposits opened vast new reserves in Canada and the United States. This led to numerous proposed expansion projects for coal, crude tar sands oil (diluted bitumen), and Liquid Natural Gas (LNG). Dramatic increase in product means dramatic increase in fossil fuel shipments, steeply escalating the potential for an oil spill or explosion on land or sea.

Unfortunately the San Juan Island region is unprepared to effectively respond to a conventional oil spill, much less diluted bitumen. Friends is dedicated to preventing fossil fuels from degrading the Salish Sea.

Oil by Rail

Though there are no trains in the San Juan Islands, the islands are still connected to the effects of what happens by rail. A spill on the tracks in the broader region only takes minutes or hours to spill into the marine waters of the San Juans or the rivers and streams that feed them. The aging bridge and rail infrastructure cannot withstand the proposed increase in oil train traffic. The combination of poor infrastructure and highly volatile fuel poses unprecedented risks to public safety and the environment.

Just Transitions

Stopping fossil fuels is not enough….we must replace the petroleum-based fuels and products with alternative transportation, fibres, and soil nutrients. Also part of this transition are climate resiliency planning and policy for changing climate conditions (increased storm events, sea level rise, and drought).

Related News

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Action Update: Who foots the bill for an oil spill?

April 2, 2024

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Who Foots the Bill for an Oil Spill?

February 14, 2024

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Take a stand against big oil in support of the Salish Sea!

December 15, 2023

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Friends’ Action Ensures Refinery Project Will Not Impact Southern Resident killer whales

September 25, 2023

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Important Lessons Learned From an Oil Spill

September 21, 2022

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Phillips 66 Canceled Their Permit Following Legal Action From Friends of the San Juans

September 21, 2022

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Friends has done so much to identify those critical beaches where the forage fish are spawning and that is work that I value greatly. Once we know the spawning locations, we can permanently protect those very important beaches.

Debby Clausen and Kim Sundberg

members, San Juan Island

Friends’ mission is to bring people and nature together to protect the San Juans Islands and the Salish Sea through education, science, policy and law. Friends of the San Juans does not engage in political endorsements. As a nonpartisan organization, we cannot speak to individual candidates’ qualifications.
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