Seattle has joined Spokane and Bellingham in passing a resolution to restrict oil shipments by rail until further review.
The Seattle City Council unanimously passed the resolution co-sponsored by council member Mike O’Brien and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray.
The resolution urges Gov. Jay Inslee and other state regulators to refrain from issuing permits for projects that would increase oil transport in the state until concerns over safety as well as environmental and economic impacts are addressed.
Seven new oil terminals are currently proposed in the state. According to the Seattle-based Sightline Institute, the proposed terminals would increase the number of trains transporting Bakkan crude through downtown Seattle from eight to 21 per week.
