The Port of Tacoma Commission is seeking public comment on a proposed policy that would require additional public meetings before they authorize certain development leases.
The policy change, which was proposed by Commission President Connie Bacon during the commission’s July 21 meeting, would apply to any project that:
- Stores, processes or manufactures, with the intent to distribute, fossil fuels, including oil, petroleum-based fuels, natural gas and coal on more than 10 acres of port land, or;
- Uses more than 1 million gallons per day of water, or;
- Emits more than 10 thousand metric tons per year of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide equivalent) or more than 10 metric tons per year of any individually listed hazardous air pollutants or 100 metric tons per year of any other regulated air pollutants, or;
- Uses more than 26 megawatts of electricity.
The full the proposed policy changes can be read at http://portoftacoma.com/sites/default/files/Energy%20and%20Natural%20Resources%20Policy.pdf.
Commissioners are expected to discuss the policy at three upcoming meetings: an Aug. 15 work session with selected members of the commission and Tacoma City Council; the Aug. 18 regular commission meeting; and the Sept. 15 regular commission meeting.
Commissioners are expected to vote on the proposal Sept. 15.
All three meetings will be held at the Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Road, Tacoma. Public comment is welcome, according to the port.
Agendas and meeting times can be found on the port’s website: http://portoftacoma.com/about/commission#upcomingevents.
