Tacoma: Will city be a Chinese chemical colony?

Dalien, China - like Tacoma - sits dramatically on hills above a fabulous deepwater harbor and port. Dalien now proposes a methanol factory here. Dalien and China have absolutely no natural interest in the future well-being of Tacoma or Puget Sound.

One can admire Chinese culture, history and achievements without being blind to the prevailing practices of Chinese industrialists. Chinese chemical corporations have pathetically little credibility in matters of civic responsibility and stewardship of the environment. Thousands have died before their time just by living in the chemical hell towns of China’s hinterland.

The methanol proposal promises Tacoma a deadly range of products and by-products, not to mention the potential for a devastating fireball on Commencement Bay.

Tacoma already has paid too dearly for its history of home-grown industrial pollution. Giving up precious water and electricity resources in order to turn Tacoma into the chemical colony of a disinterested foreign country defies logic and common sense.

This story was originally published February 12, 2016 at 1:10 PM with the headline "Tacoma: Will city be a Chinese chemical colony?."