Cherry Point Amendments Face First Real Test
The Cherry Point Amendments, aimed at limiting fossil fuel exports, are facing their first real test in Whatcom County.
In 2021, Whatcom County became the first county in the nation with oil refineries to ban new refineries, piers, and transshipment facilities, and limit existing ones.
The goal of the amendments was to mitigate negative impacts on public safety, transportation, economy, and environment from fossil fuel exports in the Cherry Point Urban Growth Area.
“it doesn’t seem to be working,”
said Whatcom County Council member Todd Donovan, who now suspects problems with the code.
According to Mark Personius, director of Whatcom County Planning and Development Services, the code requires additional land-use permitting when a transshipment facility capacity increases beyond a specific threshold, but is silent on throughput increases.
AltaGas has warned the county council not to overstep its authority.
Author's summary: Amendments face first test.
- Ban on new refineries, piers, and transshipment facilities
- Limits on existing facilities
- Goal: mitigate negative impacts on public safety, transportation, economy, and environment