Fighting Oil in Vancouver

On October 5, 2015, the City of Vancouver, Washington, and Vancouver citizens won an important victory over crude-by-rail. Earlier this year, the City decided to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) explaining the risks and impacts of NuStar Energy’s proposed crude-by-rail terminal. NuStar appealed, claiming that its project would have no significant environmental impacts. But a Hearings Examiner denied NuStar’s appeal and said that the City can study the risks of crude-by-rail.

This victory highlights the strong community opposition to crude-by-rail in Vancouver. First, the City received hundreds of letters requesting an EIS on NuStar’s project. And during the appeal hearing, more than 40 people gave heart-felt, articulate testimony about why the City should be allowed to study the risks of crude-by-rail. Columbia Riverkeeper also advocated for an EIS and sought to intervene in NuStar’s appeal to defend the City’s decision.

Importantly, this victory paves the way for the City to deny NuStar’s crude-by-rail proposal altogether. If the EIS reveals risks that NuStar cannot mitigate, the City can veto the project. Tragedies across the country have shown the dangers of crude-by-rail, and federal regulations do not ensure rail car safety. The City should deny NuStar’s proposal and protect Vancouver citizens from bomb trains and toxic air pollution.

The City of Vancouver will take public comments on the draft EIS, and Riverkeeper will let you know when and where you can make your voice heard.

The decision denying NuStar’s appeal is available here.