Tacoma: Will we ever learn from history?

I hope the citizens of Tacoma realize that the Port of Tacoma has already agreed to a 30-year lease of waterfront property to build the 125-acre methanol plant.

It doesn’t matter that Tacoma is still reeling with high levels of arsenic and lead in its soils. It doesn’t matter that the plant will use enormous amounts of natural resources. It doesn’t matter that additional pollution and health issues will occur without fail.

Safety requirements are well and good, but it is not a matter of “if,” rather “when.” Have we not learned from history? Will it be the depletion of resources, an explosion, increased health concerns for Tacoma citizens or all of the above?

The creation of 260 jobs and helping to provide cleaner-burning fuel to China are what the labor unions says are the benefits. I guess China will have the last laugh as it utilizes our natural resources, pollutes our air with gases and increases health risks to the citizens of Tacoma.

Mark my words: The plant will be built regardless of public outrage and, unfortunately, our children will deal with the consequences. Will we ever learn?

This story was originally published January 25, 2016 at 11:43 AM with the headline "Tacoma: Will we ever learn from history?."