Tacoma Human Rights Commission Calling on Tacoma City Council to Conduct Its Own SEIS

Tacoma Human Rights Commission Calling on Tacoma City Council to Conduct Its Own SEIS

The Tacoma Human Rights Commission is calling the question on PSE’s fracked gas project. In a strongly-worded letter sent to the mayor and city council on April 23, 2019, the Commission requests that the City initiate a supplemental EIS review of the LNG project in the Tideflats. In a six-page evidence-packed argument, the Commission notes that the permitting agencies responsible for the project failed to engage the Puyallup Tribe of Indians in meaningful consultation — a blatant violation of their legal rights — and that the project would put tribal members and others at serious risk, including detainees at the ICE-operated Northwest Detention Center.  

The Human Rights Commission is an official part of Tacoma’s government. It is established by city code with a 15-member board appointed by the city council and charged with investigating claims of discrimination and other human rights violations.