Whatcom County Council vote changes the future of industry at Cherry Point
Jul. 28—Whatcom County Council unanimously approved a series of Comprehensive Plan amendments for the Cherry Point industrial zone, adding tougher environmental and development rules for the region that's home to two of Washington state's five oil refineries.
Tuesday's vote was hailed by environmental groups as a landmark policy change to regulate the fossil fuel industry and protect the Salish Sea.
"These regulations could usher in a new era of fossil fuel policymaking in the U.S., where local municipalities can use existing regulatory power to restrict the growth of the fossil fuel industry in an era where the U.S. must swiftly transition to renewable energy sources," Stand.Earth and RE Sources for Sustainable Communities said in a joint statement.
"In Whatcom County, this means no new fossil fuel refineries, transshipment facilities, or certain types of other infrastructure expansions can be built, while upgrade projects at existing refineries and terminals will also be subject to more rigorous environmental review and permitting processes. Upgrades that reduce pollution and improve safety will still be allowed if they meet these improved standards," the statement said.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/whatcom-county-council-vote-changes-the-future-of-industry-at-cherry-point/ar-AAMFEpT
