Environmental groups Columbia Riverkeeper and Northwest Environmental Defense Center argued the Port of Vancouver commissioners violated state environmental laws when it agreed to lease land to Savage Cos. and Tesoro Corp., now collaborating as Vancouver Energy, without the project first undergoing the analysis for an environmental impact statement.
The court’s majority, also ruled that the conditions and authorizes in the port’s lease, combined with the governor’s ultimate authority over the project’s future, do not limit the port’s alternatives to the project.
Currently the project is under evaluation by the state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council. In the coming months, that body is expected to make a recommendation to Gov. Jay Inslee, who will decide the terminal’s fate.