Fossil Fuel Export Moratorium Issued at Cherry Point in Precedent-Setting Emergency Measure

Whatcom County, Washington, passed an emergency moratorium on new fossil fuel shipments through Cherry Point, a major export hub, citing environmental and safety issues. The ordinance does not affect current refining or oil shipments.

Cherry Point, Washington. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The county council is expected to hold public hearings during the 60-day moratorium as the county finalizes an update to its 20-year comprehensive plan, which could include a permanent ban on exporting coal or natural gas.

In May, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers denied a permit to build the country’s largest coal-export terminal at Cherry Point after objections from the Lummi tribe. The local environmental community, which has been demanding such a ban, celebrated the moratorium as a precedent-setting victory.

For a deeper dive:

News: AP, Bellingham Herald, Northern Light, KGMI

For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News.