Inslee’s climate double-standard

Many thanks to 350.org Spokane; and the presenters, students, and the cross-generational participants in the very compelling and inspiring Climate Strike event on Sept. 20. Gov. Inslee is to be commended for partaking in the Spokane Climate Strike; but, unfortunately, his “Climate Candidate” double-standard continues to frustrate.

Inslee’s record shows his recent support of fossil fuel initiatives, including a fracked gas infrastructure and other natural gas dependent industries. He only reconsiders his support after significant citizen outrage and protest. In Newport, we are facing the devastating possibility of yet another of Inslee’s fossil fuel projects.

Gov. Inslee gave the Canadian mining company HiTest Sands/PacWest a $300,000 grant to locate his coal-burning silicon smelter within 1.5 miles of Newport schools and downtown Newport.

The smelter will use coal as a carbon reductant for extracting silicon from silicon dioxide (quartz), and will emit hundreds to thousands of tons of coal toxins and greenhouse gases annually. Only 5% (or less) of the smelter’s silicon product will be for solar panels. The carbon and coal-toxin footprint will be tremendous. Inslee’s smelter endorsement is on the PacWest website.

Our current petition with over 1,000 signatures asking Inslee to withdraw his support of the smelter was handed to the governor’s team during the Climate Strike event. Will Inslee withdraw his support of the smelter or will he place his support of a foreign, exploitive corporate polluter over the welfare of the citizens and environment of his very own state?

John Endres

Newport, Wash.