LONGVIEW, Wash. - The State of Washington wants to weigh in on the environmental review process for a coal export terminal that has been proposed for Longview.
Several conservation groups banded together earlier this month to challenge a permit for the terminal, granted by the Cowlitz County Commission. On Tuesday, the Washington Department of Ecology filed as an "intervenor" in that case - not taking sides, but exercising its legal option to have a seat at the table.
According to the groups' attorney, Jan Hasselman of Earthjustice, the move could indicate the state is also not convinced that the environmental and health effects of transporting, storing and shipping coal have been taken into account.
"Washington stepping into this case is a recognition that it's an important test case about whether this is the right fit for our state, and whether the coal companies have followed the appropriate process in involving the public in this important decision."
↧
State Wades into Coal Terminal Controversy
↧