The oil terminal debate in Vancouver is at a standstill. Here is a different way to go for a solution to this public problem. Let’s give Tesoro-Savage what they want for something that we want. How about a new Interstate 5 bridge to Portland?
This can be done with three conditions put on Tesoro-Savage and their railroad partner, BNSF Railway.
-
Just like we tax gasoline per gallon, put a tax on every barrel of Bakken crude that passes through Vancouver until a billion-dollar fund has been set up to pay for a new I-5 bridge.
-
Demand that BNSF upgrade its tracks and infrastructure to meet federal safety standards for oil, coal, and other hazardous material shipments.