[email protected] Councilmember Anders Ibsen

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Regardless of your stance on these individual projects, methanol, LNG, and recent expansion proposals from Targa and US
[Date] Mayor Marilyn Strickland - [email protected] Councilmember Anders Ibsen - [email protected] Councilmember Robert Thoms - [email protected] Councilmember Keith Blocker - [email protected] Councilmember Marty Campbell - [email protected] Councilmember Joe Lonergan - [email protected] Councilmember Lauren Walker Lee - [email protected] Councilmember Conor McCarthy - [email protected] Councilmember Ryan Mello - [email protected] City Clerk - [email protected] Dear Mayor and City Council, I’m writing to you about your efforts to pass Tideflats interim regulations. The City Council voted unanimously to have The Planning Commission provide a recommendation, which they have done after months of admirable research and deliberation. Their recommendation represents a balanced compromise that would maintain the status quo until we can have an inclusive conversation about our collective future through the subarea plan. There is overwhelming evidence to support that Tacoma is in the bullseye for fossil fuel growth. Regardless of your stance on these individual projects, methanol, LNG, and recent expansion proposals from Targa and US Oil are all examples of this trend. While the future of fossil fuels in Tacoma is a question for the subarea plan, proposals like these are extremely controversial and stand to derail that planning process. The pause recommended by the Planning Commission would prevent a contentious issue from muddying subarea planning and gives us the time we need to make an informed decision. Claims that interim regulations would harm industry and destroy jobs are baseless, and aim only to distract from the real issues at hand. These regulations are as much about maintaining our scarce and valuable industrial lands as they are about protecting our environment and public health. For example, the Planning Commission’s recommendation to limit fossil fuel expansions to 10% by a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is a compromise that would allow for some growth and market adaptability while addressing community concerns. The CUP process would also further the council’s goal of transparency while increasing council discretion over the most controversial proposals. Frequent review of interim regulations ensures flexibility should a better solution arise. I appreciate the months of research and opportunities for public input that you supported to create the recommended regulations. Thank you for your continued efforts to protect Tacoma’s economy, environment, and public health. Sincerely, [Your name] [Your contact information]