methanol Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Washington State Regulators Deny Key Permit To Kalama Methanol Refinery

By NWPB News January 20, 2021

The proposed site at the Port of Kalama where NW Innovation Works is proposing a 90-acre methanol plant. CREDIT: NW INNOVATION WORKS

The Washington Department of Ecology defended its denial by saying the refinery, which would convert fracked natural gas into methanol to be shipped to Asia, would emit vast amounts of greenhouse gases. If built, it would be among the top 10 greenhouse gas emitters in the state.Read More

Lower Columbia River Methanol Refinery Halted By Washington Regulators For Environmental Review

By Monica Samayoa November 24, 2019

A $2 billion methanol project proposed for the Lower Columbia River town of Kalama, Washington, hit a new roadblock Friday, when the Washington Department of Ecology said the environmental review did not adequately assess its greenhouse gas emissions and contributions to climate change.Read More

In Surprise Reversal, Jay Inslee Opposes Washington Natural Gas Projects

By Molly Solomon May 9, 2019

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has reported raising $112,000 for a federal PAC that will allow him to explore running for president. CREDIT: OFFICE OF GOV. JAY INSLEE

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has changed his stance on two proposed fossil fuel plants, including a $2 billion gas-to-methanol project in southwest Washington.Read More

Controversial Southwest Washington Methanol Plant May Be Misleading Public, Regulators

By Molly Solomon April 23, 2019

Nearly four years ago, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee touted a new company that was coming to Kalama to revolutionize the methanol market. But the climate change-crusading governor currently running for president may not have known that NWIW was selling a different story to investors — one less focused on producing cleaner methanol for plastics and more on an opportunity to Read More