350 Wenatchee Climate Conversations NCW

Congratulations! Today, the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) denied permits for a proposal to build the world’s largest fracked gas-to-methanol refinery along the shores of the Columbia River in Kalama. Citing significant negative impacts on our climate and Washington’s shorelines, Ecology denied a key permit required to build and operate the refinery.

Click here to tell Governor Inslee and Ecology thank you for rejecting this dirty, dangerous proposal once and for all.

You and thousands of other Columbia Riverkeeper members demanded that Governor Inslee and Ecology protect our climate, the Columbia, and communities from the destructive, polluting Kalama methanol refinery.

They listened.

What’s Next?

Northwest Innovation Works, the project backer, may appeal the decision. But Ecology has excellent legal grounds for denying the methanol refinery, and Columbia Riverkeeper and our allies will help defend this victory in court if necessary.

On a personal note, I have spent most of my career protecting the Columbia River from fossil fuel export—and this methanol refinery in particular. I am excited to share today’s news with you, and I imagine a future where everyone spends more time enjoying the Columbia, and less time fighting to protect it.

Many hands earned this victory. Kalama residents, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, medical professionals, religious organizations, the local historic Cemetery District, and the Seattle Aquarium all asked Washington to reject the methanol refinery. And more than 30 conservation organizations—including the Power Past Fracked Gas coalition, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the Washington Environmental Council—opposed the project. This victory, and our gratitude, belongs to all of them.

Most of all, thank YOU for continuing to protect clean water and a healthy climate. When we fight together, we can win.

Onward,