WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. – Industries at Whatcom County’s Cherry Point will remain but their future expansion will be limited under amendments to the county’s comprehensive plan adopted by the Whatcom County Council Tuesday night.
The unanimous vote sets rules in place that allow the two existing oil refineries at the site to remain and to be maintained and upgraded.
But any significant expansion of the facilities will face a rigorous review and permitting process.
The amendments will not allow any new fossil fuel refineries, shipping terminals or coal-fired power plants on the site.
The 7-0 vote culminates years of debate over the industrial area and its key deep water port.
The council imposed a moratorium on the expansion of fossil fuel facilities at Cherry Point in 2016 while the amendments were drawn up.