*The comment period for the Uinta Basin Railroad DEIS has been extended to January 28.
According to the Utah Clean Infrastructure Coalition, "The purpose of the proposed Uinta Basin Railway (UBR) is to connect the Uinta Basin to the national rail network in order for fossil fuel companies to access out-of-state and overseas markets. This could unlock new oil development in the Uinta Basin, which is not possible with current transportation capacity. Previously, this project has never moved forward due to the extreme cost and rugged terrain. However, with the oil refineries that process Uinta Basin crude oil in Salt Lake City at capacity, fossil fuel companies are looking for more transportation options to get oil out of the basin."
Per the Utah Clean Infrastructure Coalition, "The frenzy of oil drilling [the railway] is likely to unlock would worsen air pollution, worsen the climate crisis, and threaten wildlife and precious water supplies."
The draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the Uinta Basin Railway is open for public comment and virtual public meetings have begun as well. There will be six meetings held by the surface transportation board. Information about the railway will be presented and public comments will be taken. You can comment or just listen.
To submit a written comment, go here.
To sign up to attend a meeting, go here.
For more information about the Uinta Basin Railway, please see: https://www.stopuintabasinrailway.com/
Public involvement is crucial so please consider writing a comment or joining a meeting.