Shell's Latest Stupidity
John Sillers vai Other 98%
When we sent Shell home from the Arctic, we promised that it was only the beginning. Now it’s time to stop another insane Shell project: a massive expansion of explosive oil trains in the Pacific Northwest.
Oil companies already ship huge quantities of Bakken crude oil through the Western USA by rail. If the name “Bakken crude” sounds familiar, it’s probably because it’s been on your local news. Since 2013, ten separate oil trains have derailed, exploded or both. An oil train explosion in Quebec killed 47 people. Not only is Bakken crude the most explosive oil on Earth, but the rail cars in which it’s shipped are so flawed and outdated that the head of the Federal Railroad Administration likened them to a Ford Pinto.
And now Shell wants to expand oil-by-rail operations even further, building a brand-new facility at its existing refinery in Anacortes, WA specifically to receive mile-long trains full of Bakken crude.
The thing is: we don’t want the oil, we don’t need the oil, and the oil isn’t even for us. America’s decreasing demand for oil means that Shell either exports this oil to Asia or goes out of business. I know which result I’d prefer.
These trains travel right through the center of Seattle and other densely populated areas. They pass by schools and cross two decrepit bridges that span a river and an aquatic reserve in the Puget Sound. With Shell’s safety record, this is multiple disasters just waiting to happen.
Together we sent Shell packing from the Arctic. By stopping this expansion, we’ll send them a loud and clear message: we’re breaking America’s addiction to oil. Right now.
We’re winning, and we’ll keep winning. Take action against this dangerous project today.
Thanks for everything you do to save our climate.
Sincerely,
John Sellers
The Other 98%