Spokane wants to intervene in Vancouver oil terminal talks

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — The city of Spokane wants to part of the discussions over a proposal to build a massive oil-by-rail terminal in Vancouver, Washington.

The city last month filed a petition to intervene in proceedings, as a state agency examines a proposal by Tesoro Corp. and Savage Cos. to build a facility that could handle up to 360,000 barrels of crude oil a day.

Mayor David Condon tells the Spokesman-Review that trains bound for that terminal will pass through Spokane and the city wants to ensure that its interests are represented.

The state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council is reviewing the project's environmental impacts. It will make a recommendation to Gov. Jay Inslee by Nov. 1.

Seven other parties have asked to intervene, including a coalition of environmentalists, a labor union and tribal groups.