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Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council

1 week ago

While the below announcement from Northwest Innovation Works is not a surprise, it is a great disappointment.NWIW has been a model partner for the Building Trades, the Community, the State, and the Environment.Every step of the way in developing this proposal, NWIW has adjusted with scientifically founded solutions to all concerns raised. The product that became the final proposal would have been the most advanced, environmentally positive methanol manufacturing facility on the planet, setting a new standard for all other facilities that follow.That is the power and purpose of having strong environmental advocacy here in Washington State. However, in the end, instead of accepting the victory for the planet, Washington State has chosen to abdicate its’ leadership role, and we will now see this methanol manufacturing plant being built in less environmentally positive locations.Don’t get me wrong, we will still buy the products from the new plant, as demand is ever increasing. We in Washington State will just suffer the dual indignity of watching another community reap the economic benefits, along with the planet suffering from outdated, insufficient environmental standards to actually make any progress on climate.This is what happens when entrenched ideology overrules scientific fact in the decision-making process.And we all suffer.This is a result of a true lack of leadership on this issue, from the Governor, through Ecology, down to the local community. Such a missed opportunity for all of us.We at the Building Trades will continue to fight for quality developments that will advance both economic and environmental policies. However our lack of confidence in the ability of Washington State to permit and build industrial development that advances these causes is once again justified by the actions of the leadership in the State. ~ MarkNWIWK TEMPORIZES DEVELOPMENT TO ASSESS NEW REGULATORY AND POLITICAL LANDSCAPEKalama, Washington (June 11, 2021) – Northwest Innovation Works–Kalama (NWIWK) announced today it is temporizing the development of the Kalama Manufacturing and Marine Export Facility at the Port of Kalama, Cowlitz County, Washington. In light of the recent Washington Department of Ecology’s decision to deny the Shoreline Conditional Use Permit, the regulatory environment has become unclear and unpredictable. NWIWK is temporizing its development activities to assess the new regulatory and political landscape and determine an appropriate path forward.Together with our partners, we remain committed to addressing the global climate challenge, creating jobs and economic growth, and are moving forward in developing other innovative net zero projects to produce zero carbon hydrogen and related products. NWIWK thanks its long-time partners—The Port of Kalama, City of Kalama, Cowlitz County, Labor, and all the people that stood up for the project—for their support and commitment to a shared vision of creating jobs, investing in community, and confronting climate change. ... See MoreSee Less

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