Inslee statement on Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion

Statement

Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement today following the Canadian government's announced approval of the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion.

"The Canadian government's decision today to approve the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion is alarming and deeply disappointing. The costs to our environment and communities are simply too high. This pipeline, if built, will impose significant negative impacts on our coastal communities, increase the risk of oil spills in our shared waters and double down on carbon-intensive fossil fuels at a time when world leaders need to double down on clean energy. It would unwind our urgent efforts to reduce toxics in our environment, protect our orcas and improve oil-transport safety. If the pipeline is expanded, we may see a call for additional investments to bring more fossil fuels into Washington state.

"But this expansion is not inevitable. I stand with Premier Horgan in wanting to defend the coast. Canada has led so many important climate initiatives over the past several years, and it's time for them to do the same now. We will continue to pursue every option possible to protect our waters and our communities."

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