First, thank you to The Columbian for making the Kalama methanol plant’s demise the lead on Page A1 (“Company cancels Kalama plant,” The Columbian, June 12).
That said, there was only one quote attributed to the environmental community, from Brett VandenHeuvel, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper. Columbia Riverkeeper has been a key player in this long fight, but not the only one. There are also other individuals and environmental organizations involved, including Sierra Club, Earthjustice, and critically, Kalama citizens themselves. The Columbian should have reported on the reactions of these organizations and individuals. Instead, there were numerous quotes and whining from Northwest Innovation Works and the Port of Kalama.
Sometimes referred to as “the thin green line,” the Northwest environmental community has amassed a hard-fought string of victories over the past several years against those who would trash the very special place we call home. Perhaps The Columbian would consider doing a feature story about the individuals and organizations involved in these fights, focusing on why they do this. Most of these people are volunteers, who are paid nothing for their efforts.
