Statement of Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission on Governor Inslee’s Denial of Vancouver Energy’s Proposed Oil Terminal
Jaime A. Pinkham, Executive Director
Portland, OR. – Today, the Governor’s decision on the Tesoro-Savage oil terminal showed that the health of the Columbia River and the safety of its citizens matters most. The denial of Vancouver Energy’s permit to build the largest oil-by-rail terminal in the nation is a decision that we all celebrate. Throughout the application process, the Yakama Nation, Umatilla Tribe, and CRITFC vigorously asserted the interests of the Columbia River and those who depend on it. Today’s denial is based on real risks to our communities and the Columbia River.
We are pleased that Governor Inslee agreed with the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council’s decision and formally stopped this project. However, we must remain vigilant. There are other challenges facing the Columbia River Basin, but today’s victory shows us that they can be overcome when we work together.