Regarding the article, “Hearing examiner says Shell oil project needs full review”: I couldn’t help but feel discouraged on behalf of our workers and state economy when I read of the decision in Skagit County to require the Shell Oil East Gate Rail project to navigate yet another regulatory hurdle. Departure from the standard review process once conducted by the governing body of the affected area/county constitutes regulatory overreach that is harmful to Washington’s business climate. And rather than an isolated case, this marks a disturbing, accelerating trend that should concern anyone who cares about our state’s economic future.
Through actions like this, we harm our workers and supporting businesses who rely on timely, fair approval processes for their livelihood. Thankfully, Shell leadership appears to have the stamina to see the project through, despite learning that there will now be a new, ill-defined process for which there is no standard scope of review, but that the state instead has said will be conducted on a “case-by-case basis.” Leadership in Olympia should carefully consider the consequences of this repetitive regulatory power-grab, as it sends a chilling message to companies looking to pursue projects — and the accompanying valuable investments — in our infrastructure. Other businesses looking to invest here may not have the fortitude or the resources to take such risk, and it is our workers and our economy that will suffer as a result.
Jack McRae
Edmonds
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