What an interesting article about the Port of Vancouver (“Big numbers in port’s economic impact,” The Columbian, Sept. 25). The port seems to be getting along quite well without the Tesoro Oil Terminal that was rejected in 2018. It is providing thousands of good jobs in the region and contributing millions in state and local taxes.
My hope is that Cowlitz County finds a way to follow Vancouver’s example. They are facing a need for good local jobs and sustainable economic growth. The Chinese have offered to build a huge methanol refinery in Kalama on the Columbia River. Everything about that refinery is risky, from the safety to the financing to the processes used. Additionally, it would contribute substantially to Washington’s greenhouse gas emissions at a time when we need to be cutting back.
Cowlitz County should reject that offer and look for other ways to move forward. Kalama is a charming city with a lot to offer. It does not deserve a risky foreign-owned venture.
We can help by requesting the Department of Ecology deny the Shoreline Permit necessary to move forward. Email kalama.comments@ecy.wa.gov or call, 360-407-6969. Thanks.
