If the Kalama methanol plant is built, it would use as much gas as all industries in the state combined. That could cause shortages for many industries in Southwest Washington that use the same pipeline, particularly on cold days. Fifty years ago, President Richard Nixon approved an environmental transparency law called NEPA. Its purpose is to lay all the cards on the table so that elected officials know the whole truth and nothing but the truth about project proposals. The Department of Ecology has repeatedly asked for the whole truth with specific questions on the methanol plant, but the proponents have dodged those questions. Furthermore, the proponents’ claim of reduced emissions globally has not withstood careful examination.
Time to say goodbye to a bad actor. Transparency is lacking in Kalama.
