Von Reichbauer Statement on the Cancellation of the Tacoma Methanol Project

April 19, 2016

Summary

“When regional projects like this emerge in the future, I hope we pursue a regional conversation between neighboring cities and counties because the potential negative impacts do not stop at the city or county limits.”

Story

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer released this statement after Northwest Innovations Works announced today they were cancelling their proposed methanol project in the Tacoma Tideflats:

“I praise this decision. While I support business and economic growth, there was too much uncertainty as to the environmental and public health impact of this plant.

“When regional projects like this emerge in the future, I hope we pursue a regional conversation between neighboring cities and counties because the potential negative impacts do not stop at the city or county limits.”

The plant, sited for location at the Port of Tacoma in Pierce County, raised concerns for neighboring residents in Federal Way and King County due to Federal Way’s proximity to Tacoma and the Tideflats.