Shell Puget Sound Refinery announced on October 6 that it is dropping its plans to construct a crude oil-by-rail facility at March Point near Anacortes. This proposal will no longer threaten communities across the Northwest by increasing the risk of derailments, devastating explosions, and toxic spills in Padilla Bay and the larger Salish Sea.
This decision follows the stand taken by Friends and our partner organizations to successfully appeal Skagit County’s determination of non-significance in 2014, which then required the project to undergo an environmental impact study. Thousands of citizens showed up to hearings, submitted public comments, and rallied to voice concerns about the dangers of transporting highly volatile Bakken crude in trains.
This win is a testament to the power and the dedication of community members. Here in the Pacific NW, we have the wind behind us in fighting fossil fuels. When we appealed the inadequate environmental review, many said it was unstoppable. By joining together, we proved we can protect ourselves from Big Oil!
If you’re in Seattle on October 26, join in the “sHell No Celebration” at 6:30 p.m at Peddler Brewing Company. Click here for details and to RSVP.
Check out this article, West Coast Deals Four Major Blows to Big Oil, for more details on how communities are successfully standing up to the dangers of fossil fuel export.
