Union of Concerned Scientists
Scientists and students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology founded the Union of Concerned Scientists
The new types of crude oil now coming into our region pose dramatic risks never seen before; highly explosive crude oil from the Bakken shale oil region of North Dakota and Montana and heavy and corrosive crude oil from the Tar Sands region of Alberta. These oils are coming in via heavy mile-long unit trains. They are causing traffic congestion, spilling oil along the route, and exploding upon derailment. Oil is also coming in via barges and tankers, increasing vessel traffic and risk of oils spills. And, the oil is coming in through the crude oil pipeline directly to refineries. The recent increase in oil transport has impacts ranging from rail congestion that limits other products getting to markets, street congestion where the trains run at grade, toxic pollution from diesel exhaust which can cause serious long-term health problems like lung and heart disease; to increased vessel traffic and impacts to marine life. Across North America, we have seen what accidents do to the waterways and communities. From the tragic explosion in Lac Megantic, Quebec to the pipeline spills into the Yellowstone and Kalamazoo Rivers to the barge spill on the Mississippi, the loss of life and devastating impacts to natural resources and the economy is devastating. Together with our partners in the Stand Up to Oil campaign, we are taking action today to protect our communities and our waterways.
by Joëlle Robinson on
We don't have to let Big Oil turn the beautiful Northwest into a dangerous oil train superhighway. But that's what they're trying to accomplish with new terminal proposals along our coast. Here's how we can say no!
by KC Golden on
Shell Oil's Arctic failure is only the latest indication that expensive bets on long-term fossil fuel development make no sense of any kind. Our transition to a better energy source will take a while—but it's absolutely underway.
by Larry Thevik on
The dangers of oil trains are dominating headlines about proposed oil terminals in Washington. As a long-time crab fisherman out of Grays Harbor, I’m very concerned about another risk: the potential consequences of a major oil spill.
by Caleb Smith on
Why are we allowing Shell to drill for oil in the Arctic? Even if tapping a new source of oil wouldn't guarantee a future of climate chaos—and it would—there's no reason to believe Shell has what it takes to leave behind its record of disaster after disaster.
by KC Golden on
Melting the Arctic ice cap, then drilling for oil where the ice used to be, would be crazy and wrong even if we needed the oil. But we don’t!
by Jonathan Lawson on
In a powerful statement released today, several major unions accuse Shell and the Port of Seattle of neglecting the interests of working people, Seattle's economic well-being, and the future health of our communities and our planet.
by Sarra Tekola on
The fossil fuel companies have had us tricked for too long. They've been telling us we need fossil fuels, that our lives can't go on without them.
by KC Golden on
The Port of Seattle signed a lease with Shell that would make Seattle the staging area for the most reckless, extreme oil drilling adventure ever, leaving locals to ask: Is resistance futile?
by Kimberly Larson on
Who knew that oil and chocolate had anything in common beyond its color? A few thoughts for Valentine's Day.
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Scientists and students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology founded the Union of Concerned Scientists
We don't have to let Big Oil turn the beautiful Northwest into a dangerous oil train superhighway. But that's what they're trying to accomplish with new terminal proposals along our coast. Here's how we can say no!
Shell Oil's Arctic failure is only the latest indication that expensive bets on long-term fossil fuel development make no sense of any kind. Our transition to a better energy source will take a while—but it's absolutely underway.
The dangers of oil trains are dominating headlines about proposed oil terminals in Washington. As a long-time crab fisherman out of Grays Harbor, I’m very concerned about another risk: the potential consequences of a major oil spill.
Why are we allowing Shell to drill for oil in the Arctic? Even if tapping a new source of oil wouldn't guarantee a future of climate chaos—and it would—there's no reason to believe Shell has what it takes to leave behind its record of disaster after disaster.
Melting the Arctic ice cap, then drilling for oil where the ice used to be, would be crazy and wrong even if we needed the oil. But we don’t!
In a powerful statement released today, several major unions accuse Shell and the Port of Seattle of neglecting the interests of working people, Seattle's economic well-being, and the future health of our communities and our planet.
The fossil fuel companies have had us tricked for too long. They've been telling us we need fossil fuels, that our lives can't go on without them.
The Port of Seattle signed a lease with Shell that would make Seattle the staging area for the most reckless, extreme oil drilling adventure ever, leaving locals to ask: Is resistance futile?
Who knew that oil and chocolate had anything in common beyond its color? A few thoughts for Valentine's Day.