Coalition Praises City of Vancouver's Decision for Full EIS on Proposed NuStar Oil Terminal

April 6, 2015 (Vancouver, WA)  – Last Friday, April 3, 2015, the City of Vancouver announced it would require a full environmental impact statement for NuStar Energy’s proposal to convert its bulk terminal at the Port of Vancouver into an oil-by-rail terminal. The City’s decision reversed an earlier draft decision to require only a cursory review of the environmental, health and safety impacts of the proposed oil terminal.

In response, the Stand Up to Oil Coalition issued the following statement:

“Stand Up to Oil applauds the City of Vancouver’s decision to put the concerns and safety of its residents first when it decided to do a full evaluation of the impacts of the proposed NuStar oil terminal.

Allowing an oil terminal to move forward in Vancouver would have serious impacts for the health and safety of those living near the proposed terminal site, along the rail line, and the Columbia River. The risk of a train derailment and explosion, as well as the concerns of an oil spill on the River, should receive thorough scrutiny so that the City can make an informed decision.”

The proposed NuStar terminal could receive up to 22,000 barrels of oil a day. Public comments on the scope of the City’s forthcoming environmental impact statement are due by 4 pm on Monday, May 4, 2015.


Stand Up to Oil is a growing coalition of groups opposed to new oil terminals and an increase in oil transport through the Northwest, while working to improve safety measures for oil currently traveling through the region. Core members include: Climate Solutions, Columbia Riverkeeper, Earthjustice, Forest Ethics, Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Friends of the San Juans, The Lands Council, Sierra Club, Washington Environmental Council, and Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility.