Letters to the Editor for Nov. 22, 2018

Methanol refinery distracts from climate-disrupting impact

The proposed Chinese-backed, world’s largest methanol refinery in Kalama, Washington, would produce up to 2.9 million tons per year of CO2-equivalents, making the refinery emissions second only to the Centralia coal-fired power plant, which closes in 2025.

We are now in a comment period on the greenhouse gas Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. The report ignores or downplays comprehensive studies and underestimates climate impacts. Instead the report focuses on unsubstantiated, simplistic assumptions about global methanol markets, energy commodity prices, Chinese government policy, and U.S.-China trade relations.

Real economics is dynamic and not so simple. The refinery would increase the amount of gas consumed in Washington state by over one-third, encourage fracking, necessitate new pipelines and emit dangerous diesel particulate matter. Visit nomethanol360.com for project background, report and talking points. Also visit sc.org/nomethanol for more information.

We need to make it clear that we do not want this enormous polluter by coming to the hearing from 6 to 9 p.m., Dec 13, at the Cowlitz County Event Center.

Figures provided in Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement in November are available online at kalamamfgfacilitysepa.com.

Kristin Edmark, Battle Ground, Washington

Transgender rights are human rights

The federal Department of Health and Human Services is moving forward with plans to narrowly define gender to sex assigned at birth, effectively erasing transgender identities and removing civil rights protections for transgender people across the country.

Let’s be clear: This is a brazen, heartless attack on transgender people and anyone who doesn’t conform to gender stereotypes. It disregards science, medicine, the law and reality, serving no other purpose than to assault the dignity, rights and lives of transgender people. With 2018 shaping up to be the deadliest year on record for transwomen of color in the U.S., this attack is cruelty for cruelty’s sake.

We speak for YWCA Clark County when we say that transgender and gender non-conforming people won’t be erased. No blatant attack by this administration makes you any less. You are human beings who deserve dignity, respect and legal protection. We see you, we stand with you, and we will keep fighting for and beside you.

Transgender rights are human rights. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are our neighbors, co-workers, family members and vital members of our community. We must show up and fight for one another. Trans lives are at stake.

Noland Hoshino and Sherri Bennett, Vancouver

ECFR thanks voters, despite loss in November election

East County Fire and Rescue wants to thank voters for participating in the recent fire levy lid lift election. While the outcome was not as we hoped, we appreciate everyone who took the time to vote.

East County Fire and Rescue serves the unincorporated areas of Camas, Washougal and east Vancouver.

We have heard from citizens that the levy failed for two reasons. First, property taxes had increased significantly as a result of the McCleary decision to fund education. These increases are temporary and we may revisit the fire levy lid lift again when taxes have abated.

Second, we heard that the ballot language was confusing. We had asked voters to return the fire levy to $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The ballot language as written would have maintained the fire levy at or near that rate for the next six years. By state law, the fire levy cannot go above $1.50 per $1,000.

We have learned some valuable lessons in the past election and appreciate your feedback. We will revisit the fire levy lid lift with these changes in mind. In the meantime, we will continue to provide the best service possible within budget.

Mike Carnes, deputy chief, East County Fire and Rescue

Mike Taggart, chairperson, Board of Fire Commissioners

Governor should take stance against methanol refinery

We need to keep the world’s largest fracked gas-to-methanol refinery from being built in Southwest Washington. Natural gas or methane is 86 times as warming as carbon dioxide. If built, the methanol refinery alone would pollute as much as 1.2 million cars, increasing Washington’s contribution to global warming. Also, the refinery would require massive pipeline expansions. Gas pipelines leak methane over 30 times more warming than CO2, and have a history of dangerous explosions. Also, the power of eminent domain can be used to seize private property for pipeline placement. We are calling on Gov. Jay Inslee to stand with us by taking a public stance against the methanol refinery.

Joy Gohl, White Salmon, Washington