We were disappointed to learn earlier today of the governor’s change in position on PSE’s LNG project. While we are still assessing the information, we take the governor at his word that his announcement does not change the rigorous regulatory review process with which the project has already complied.

Though an imperfect solution to the climate challenges we face, LNG represents a significant improvement over using bunker fuel to power the cargo vessels that travel vast distances and drive our economy. We appreciate the desire to move our economy beyond fossil fuels, but at this moment in history there exists no real-world alternative to fossil fuels for powering these vessels. What’s more, we have no evidence to suggest that the science has changed significantly from the FSEIS that was released by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency on March 29, just 41 days ago.

Fueling vessels with LNG is proven to eliminate sulfur emissions entirely, and reduce diesel particulate matter, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide emissions by at least 90 percent. In addition, it reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 35 percent, and completion of PSE’s facility was found to result in a net reduction of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime.

We remain committed to our ongoing efforts to reduce air emissions. We have a proven track record of reducing air emissions, creating a safer environment for the men and women who work on and around our terminals as well as the communities surrounding them. LNG offers a safer alternative to diesel, which the American Lung Association says can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular disease; cause chronic bronchitis, asthma, lung inflammation, emphysema; and lead to cancer.

We envision a day when our industry can run quickly and efficiently free of fossil fuels, but that isn’t possible yet. Until then, we remain committed to supporting the investments our customers make to improve their environmental impact while supporting jobs throughout Washington state.