From the newsroom

When news is moving quickly, it can be hard to slow down and see the bigger picture.

An email from Whatcom County council member Todd Donovan — which called executive session the "Chamber of Secrets" — was how I first got wind there were concerns about how the county was handling the permitting process for AltaGas at the liquid petroleum gas terminal in Ferndale.

Honestly, I wasn't sure where to dig in and how to dig in — or if I should dig in. A few weeks later, the pace picked up, with environmental advocates starting a letter-writing campaign. The elevator pitch took shape: Environmental advocates say the county dropped the ball when it issued a mitigated determination of non-significance (MDNS) for the permitting of 33 projects (31 already completed without a permit).

AltaGas and the county say the process was robust. The bigger story, however, wasn't just about the challenges to these projects, it was whether or not the county came up short in its efforts to limit the expansion of the fossil fuel industry within its jurisdiction through the Cherry Point Amendments.

There was almost a decade of history at play. It took years of community and industry conversation to hone the Cherry Point Amendments — and it all happened before Cascadia Daily News was born.

Because we're a newspaper and not book publishers, there are lots of interesting facets of the story on the proverbial "cutting room floor." However, I hope our reporting has helped clear the muddied water. 

Today's news

AltaGas, the owner of the former Intalco aluminum smelter in Ferndale, is seeking permits for 33 projects. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Environmentalists challenge county over fossil fuel terminal's impact on Salish Sea

Cherry Point Amendments — guardrails on fossil fuels — face first real test

Farming in downtown Bellingham? It's possible, thanks to fish

Business owner, public health professional face off in Bellingham's Ward 2 race 

Blaine withdraws controversial urban growth area proposal

Blaine man gets 15 years in prison for attempting to kill girlfriend

CDN endorses: Carly James for Bellingham Port Commission District 2

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Weekend catch-up 

Sean Libby walks into the DaVita-Mount Baker Kidney Center just after 7 a.m. Since the treatment starts early in the day, makes him cold and lasts for hours, Libby brings a blanket to catch up on sleep. (Santiago Ochoa/Cascadia Daily News)

A young veteran's journey — from burn pit exposure to desperately needing a kidney

Bellingham City Council candidates focus on problem-solving at CDN town hall

New coed softball tournament coming to Bellingham in 2026

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