Summary

King County Executive Dow Constantine – who is Chair of the Safe Energy Leadership Alliance – issued the following statement in regard to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to deny permits needed to build the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point, located near Bellingham.

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“The decision by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a victory for Tribal treaty fishing rights, safer communities, and a cleaner environment across the Pacific Northwest.

“I want to thank the Corps for carefully reviewing impacts and making a decision that upholds Tribal treaty fishing rights, protects cultural resources, and honors the promise we made to local Native American tribes.

“This decision is good news for the Lummi Nation and Northwest Tribes, and for communities across our region that would have been impacted by rail and barge traffic from the largest proposed coal terminal in the United States.    

“The coal terminal would have brought 18 coal trains per day – each a mile-and-a-half long – through the heart of cities throughout Central Puget Sound and across the Cascades, snarling traffic and causing air and water pollution while bringing very little economic benefit. 

“Proposed coal and oil terminals in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia are truly regional and national concerns. That is why I and more than 165 elected leaders from four states and British Columbia have joined together through the Safe Energy Leadership Alliance to stand up for our shared interests in public safety, sustainable economic development, clean air and water, and Treaty rights.

“At the same time, we need to work together to invest in sustainable economic development that will create family-wage jobs in a clean-energy economy.

“We will continue to advocate for full review of the costs and impacts of these terminals, but for today, we join the Lummi Nation in celebrating this historic victory.”
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Chad Lewis, Executive Office, 206-263-1250