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Environmental groups announce appeal after approval of final permit in Tacoma LNG project

The liquefied natural gas facility under construction in Tacoma's tideflats recently received its final permit from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
Parker Miles Blohm
/
KNKX
The liquefied natural gas facility under construction in Tacoma's tideflats recently received its final permit from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

Environmental groups in Tacoma say they're planning a swift appeal against the decision from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency approving a permit for the liquefied natural gas facility that's being built in the city's tideflats.

The permit is the last hurdle for thecontroversial project that many organizations have been fighting for years. At the heart of the conflict are clashing views on whether the facility would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Sierra Club and Physicians for Social Responsibility convened a press conference to announce their opposition. Barb Church, with the Tacoma Social Justice group The Conversation, says they stand with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and will fight the LNG plant to the end.

“The Puyallup land claims settlement … mandates meaningful consultation with the tribe on any substantial action,” Church said. “According to the Puyallup Tribe, this didn’t happen.”

Puget Sound Energy insists they did consult the tribe. But the Puyallup says the project has changed. The groups say they'll release the details of their appeal soon, and that they've retained the environmental law firm EarthJustice to represent them.

Bellamy Pailthorp covers the environment for KNKX with an emphasis on climate justice, human health and food sovereignty. She enjoys reporting about how we will power our future while maintaining healthy cultures and livable cities. Story tips can be sent to bpailthorp@knkx.org.