Stop the Kalama Gas-to-Methanol Refinery!
A massive gas-to-methanol refinery is threatening the Columbia River. On March 22, we need you to attend a public hearing on the Northwest Innovation Works’ methanol refinery proposal. This project would become the largest industrial consumer of natural gas in Cowlitz County.
Read more about Fracked Fuel and Petrochemical Proposals in the Northwest.
The draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is already out and the public hearing is on March 22 at Kalama High from 6:00-9:00PM. It’s not too late to learn the facts and participate.
Join us at a community informational meeting on Sunday, March 20, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars building in downtown Kalama from 4:30-6:00PM.
Northwest Innovation Works LLC, a new company backed by the Chinese government, wants to build a large gas-to-methanol refinery at the Port of Kalama, Washington. Methanol from the refinery would be shipped through the Columbia River estuary to China where it would be used to make plastic or burned as fuel. NWIW would exploit North America’s natural gas reserves, cheap power, and abundant fresh water to increase China’s fossil fuel consumption.
Mark your calendars for a community informational meeting about Northwest Innovation Works’ proposed methanol refinery:
WHAT: Prepare for the upcoming draft Environmental Impact Statement public hearing at a free community meeting.
WHEN: Sunday, March 20th 4:30-6:00PM
WHERE: Kalama VFW 222 North 1st Street Kalama
And two days later, attend the public hearing on the project
WHAT: Public hearing on Northwest Innovation Works’ draft Environmental Impact Statement
WHEN: March 22nd 6:00-9:00 PM
WHERE: Kalama High School 548 China Garden Rd, Kalama, WA 98625
For more information on Northwest Innovation Works’ plans, please check out these excellent resources:
- Why China Wants Methanol From the Northwest, Sightline Institute
- What Methanol Means for the Northwest, Sightline Institute
- Proposed Methanol Plants in Region Face Fierce Opposition, Seattle Times
- Northwest Innovation Works’ environmental review website
Northwest Innovation Works is using Kalama as a guinea pig. The company has never built or run a methanol refinery, and the proposed technology has never been used to make methanol commercially. The draft EIS is drastically inadequate and the public hearing on March 22nd is our chance to fix it and share our concerns with local leaders.
Thanks for your time!
Guest post by Jasmine Zimmer Stucky, Lead Organizer with Columbia Riverkeeper.
