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Crude Oil Transport Threatens Our Communities, Economy, and Waterways

Stand Up to Oil

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. 

Protect the Northwest from Big Oil!

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!

Shell done, friends (or, what the Shell happened?)

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.

Crude Oil terminals are wrong for Grays Harbor

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.

Shell's Arctic record: a crude reality

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.

Shell No(t Necessary)

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!

Unions representing 60,000 workers say "Shell No"

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.

Stand up for the climate by standing up to Shell

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. 

Shell and high water: Will Seattle take a stand… or a cut of the Arctic drilling action?

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?

Like Oil for Chocolate

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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Protect the Northwest from Big Oil!

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!

Read More

Crude Oil terminals are wrong for Grays Harbor

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.

Read More

Shell's Arctic record: a crude reality

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 chaosand it wouldthere's no reason to believe Shell has what it takes to leave behind its record of disaster after disaster.

Read More