I am opposed to the proposed Tesoro-Savage oil terminal for safety, public health, and environmental reasons, recalling the oil-train derailment that spilled and burned oil in Mosier, Ore. Oil trains are reckless. Since the derailment, we’ve learned that the oil terminal will pollute the air in the Vancouver-Portland area. The air pollution permit and entire project should be denied.
• Tesoro-Savage has not demonstrated that it will protect the health and safety of Vancouver residents and others in the region who may be impacted by air pollution from the proposed oil train terminal.
• Tesoro-Savage has not addressed the safety of the additional trains that would be required to service this terminal and the impact those trains would have on the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. I’m unaware of plans to strengthen the already “improved” oil cars, to make them withstand typical derailments at speeds the cars would be moving.
Good-paying jobs in Vancouver are important, but not based on the great risks of health issues from a greatly increased number of oil trains. Jobs in expanding renewable energy industries like solar and wind are a better choice, without the great risks. The health of the Columbia Gorge and Vancouver’s residents and businesses shouldn’t be threatened by this massive oil-by-rail scheme.
