BELLINGHAM - Gov. Chris Gregoire talked about the challenges of the last legislative session and plans for the state's future at a Bellingham City Club meeting Monday, July 25.
But what audience members really wanted to know was what she thought about the proposed coal terminal at Cherry Point.
On that point, she remained mostly neutral.
Club members packed the Hotel Bellwether ballroom to hear Gregoire speak at the group's July meeting. She talked about how the state has made some painful cuts to its budget in the face of deficits, and the importance of small businesses and the education system.
She also talked about the expansion of Washington state's green-energy industry, with wind and solar power on the rise.
When she finished and allowed audience questions, the first was about the SSA Marine Gateway Pacific project, which would include a deepwater cargo terminal at Cherry Point.
"I'm shocked you have any questions on this subject," she joked.
The audience responded with laughter.
The other audience questions also were about the terminal, a subject that has been the source of much debate in Bellingham.
"Let there be no mistake, Wyoming and Montana are going to extract their coal and they're going to export it," she said. "The question is, does it go through Canada or does it go through Washington?"
Gregoire said it's going to take a lot of work and study before she forms an opinion on the project.
She noted the state is working with the county on examining the project. The Department of Ecology has agreed to share the lead role with Whatcom County as the project goes through the regulatory process.
Gregoire said the issue can't be broken down into anything as simple as jobs versus the environment.
"It's not about one thing trumping another," she said. "It's about understanding the dynamics at play and the precedents that will be set. We've got our jobs set out for us as we work to balance all those issues."
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