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Big oil didn’t want this to happen (but it did)

We're getting somewhere. Thanks to public pressure, there's a new opportunity for Washington to stand in the way of what would be the nation's largest crude oil terminal. The Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) are seeking public comment on whether to issue or deny permits for Tesoro Savage’s oil-by-rail terminal in Vancouver, Washington. The Corps is also seeking input on whether to prepare a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Comment today!

The agencies are doing this because the public spoke out and demanded a say. Let’s make sure we make the most of it. 

If built, Tesoro Savage would be the nation’s largest crude oil terminal. It would bring 360,000 barrels of oil down the Columbia Gorge and into Vancouver each day, more than half the total refining capacity in the state. Tell the Corps and EFSEC this project is too dangerous. We won’t risk our water quality, endangered salmon, and communities. Comment today!

Reducing our use of oil is key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  Building such a huge crude oil facility in our state is a terrible idea.  Let’s use our resources to expand the use of electric vehicles, use less polluting fuels, and create walkable, transit friendly communities. 

This public comment period is just the beginning of opportunities for us to stand up to the oil industry. Stay tuned for more information on public hearings in Grays Harbor, Skagit County, and Vancouver in the upcoming months. Together we can hold the oil industry accountable and build the future we want here in the Pacific Northwest. 

Start now by submitting comments to the Corps and EFSEC on Tesoro Savage!

 

Author Bio

Joëlle Robinson

Field Director, Climate Solutions

Joëlle engages community members and diverse constituencies—faith, health, youth, parents, business—to make their voices heard for climate solutions. She led the team of organizers to ensure we stopped any coal export from the U.S. West Coast over the past decade. On offense, she co-led the Field team to help pass the 100% Clean Electricity (Clean Energy Transition Act in 2019) and in 2022 collaborated with the Field team to ensure that all new buildings (commercial and residential) will be built with heat pumps per the State Building Code Council. She continues to conspire for good with them on many other local and state initiatives.

Joëlle was the Regional Outreach Coordinator of National Wildlife Federation where she focused on mobilizing hunters, anglers and concerned citizens around solutions to global warming. Previous work with Climate Solutions includes the NW Climate Connections partnership, serving as the Field Assistant for the successful Clean Cars campaign, and Field Director of the Renewable Fuel Standard, which passed in April 2006.

She previously served on the boards of Earth Ministry, Solar Washington, and Sierra Club Executive Committee. She’s currently President of the board of her 3 year-old!

Joëlle is Northwest born and raised who loves to hike, dance, travel and explore the natural world.

Her favorite quote is “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” —  Mary Oliver

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