Issue Overview
The Salish Sea deserves better than unchecked fossil fuel expansion.
To date, there has been no thorough environmental assessment on the impacts of 33 projects at the Ferndale liquid petroleum gas (LPG) Terminal, known as AltaGas’ ALA Energy Ferndale Terminal on Cherry Point.
Whatcom County is reviewing 33 LPG permit applications without requiring an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) — despite its public promise to mandate an EIS and despite the dramatic increase in terminal traffic since 2016.
Friends has been advocating for stronger safeguards at the Ferndale LPG Terminal and leading engagement that has already secured protections like the use of designated anchorage areas and prohibiting anchoring in the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve—tangible wins for Southern Residents, salmon, and the Salish Sea.
Friends is now leading a coalition of regional environmental organizations to demand an Environmental Impact Statement before there’s any further expansion at the Ferndale LPG Terminal. Join us and our coalition partners in taking action!
We provide suggested comments to make it easy.
What’s at Stake?
Without an Environmental Impact Statement, these risks—and more—will go unaddressed:
- Heightened community exposure to rail and very large gas carrier accident risks, LPG explosions, and increased air and water pollution.
- Increased vessel traffic and industrial activity on Cherry Point and in the Salish Sea threaten treaty-protected resources like salmon and shellfish, undermining the ability of Tribal Nations to exercise their rights and sustain cultural lifeways.
- More ships in the Salish Sea threaten the marine ecosystem and endangered Southern Resident killer whales through pollution and underwater noise impacts, as well as the risks of explosions, oil spills, and ship strikes.
The Opportunity
Your voice can make Whatcom County keep its promise of a transparent, science-based permitting process. Together, we can:
- Require a thorough environmental review of all 33 LPG projects.
- Identify mitigations to safeguard Salish Sea communities from rail and shipping risks and impacts.
- Protect the Salish Sea ecosystem and endangered species like the Southern Resident killer whales.
Take Action Now
Submit your comments by 4:00 p.m. on September 17, 2025.
Tell Whatcom County to require an Environmental Impact Statement for all 33 projects at the Ferndale LPG Terminal. It only takes 2 minutes, and we’ve provided suggested comments to make it easy.
Please note, submitting your comments through our Action Network campaign via the button above is the most effective way to take action—it allows us to track responses, strengthen our coalition’s advocacy, and demonstrate broad public support. But if you’d rather send your own email directly, we’ve prepared suggested comments.
Learn More About the Issue
- Friends of the San Juans Deep Dive Report on the issue [link]
- Whatcom County’s permitting process webpage for AltaGas’ ALA Energy’s applications
- Use our online toolkit to help amplify Friends’ campaign.
