In the last several years, Cascadia has seen a tsunami of proposals to expand the region’s capacity to ship coal and oil throughout and out of the region. More recently, a third wave of proposals has emerged: fracked petrochemicals, including methanol, which Chinese companies would use to make plastics.
But methanol comes at a high cost. Sometimes pitched as green, there is no evidence to support the project’s hype of environmental responsibility. In fact, the plants that produce it require massive amounts of energy and water, even as they spew out wastewater and heavy metals and fill the air with toxic and climate-warming pollution.
On Tuesday, April 18, Sightline senior research associate Tarika Powell will speak in Portland about the climate impacts of fracked gas. Jasmine Zimmer-Stucky of Columbia Riverkeeper and a representative from 350 Portland’s Carty Campaign will join in a panel discussion afterward to address next steps.
The event is free and open to the public, and it will also be streamed via Facebook Live (stay tuned for a link). Sponsors include Columbia Riverkeeper, Sierra Club Oregon Chapter, 350 Portland, and Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility. The Lambert Street String Band will provide musical entertainment before the event.
Read Tarika’s research here, and check out this three-minute infographic introduction to methanol in the Northwest.
Event: “Explained: Climate Impacts of Fracked Gas”
- Featuring: Tarika Powell, Sightline senior research associate
- Where: Central Lutheran Church, 1820 NE 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97212
- When: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 7:00 – 8:30 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM. Arrive early for music by the Lambert Street String Band.)
Want to help spread the word? You can do so on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Thanks in advance!
Hello , I live directly across the Columbia River from proposed methanol plant at Kalama Wa.My wife & I have lived here the 52 yrs we have been married, we have river frontage and would not live elsewhere. Our concern is substantial , we have been working in our community to oppose this plant and would appreciate any info you could send via my email, thanks for the work you do in our communities through the Institute, keep up the Good work. Thank You Again, Frank & Vickey Romph