Plans for an experimental energy project in Walla Walla County have been put on hold. The project, which was planned to take place in Wallula on Port of Walla Walla land, involves injecting thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide into underground basalt formations. However, because of liability and environmental concerns, port officials have decided to re-examine the risks and benefits to the Walla Walla Valley and surrounding areas.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, an agency committed to developing scientific and technological advancements for the U.S. Department of Energy, first began testing the site last November, according to a Union-Bulletin article published Feb. 29.

The geological conditions make Wallula an ideal site for the experimentation. Carbon dioxide emissions, such as those from a coal-burning power plant planned for the site, would be captured, converted to liquid form, and then injected over a mile underground into deep basalt formations. Theoretically, when deposited deep into the subterranean basalt, the carbon dioxide would calcify, thus staying underground and out the air. If successful, the first-of-its-kind project could pave the way for decreased air emissions from coal-powered plants around the world.

However, the proposal has been met with much opposition from environmental activists as well as citizens of the Walla Walla Valley. Currently, because of Washington state laws capping carbon emissions, a coal-powered plant cannot be built at Wallula without geologic sequestration. However, if sequestration tests are successful, the future plant may meet state standards and be permitted to operate.

Walla Walla 2020: a civic organization committed to preserving Walla Walla’s livability for current and future residents: has assisted with efforts to organize resistance to the project, helping form the local Coal Plant Working Group.

“Our citizens’ concern is that we do not want a coal plant in Walla Walla County. We feel that coal should be left in the ground where it’s very well sequestered, rather than be mined, shipped by rail hundred of miles and then emitted into the air, increasing global warming and local pollution,” said Dan Clark, vice-president and project coordinator of Walla Walla 2020.

In addition to contacting the State Department of Ecology, the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council and the National Department of Energy, Walla Walla 2020 has sent letters to the Port of Walla Walla and established a scientific panel to review the design of the sequestration test.

“The scientific panel that we put together is comprised of three Whitman science professors as well a Walla Walla University scientist and a Central Washington University scientist. We are relying on the faculty members for independent review of the plans,” said Clark.

The Whitman community has further aided the efforts of Walla Walla 2020 and the Coal Plant Working Group with the support and activism of several involved students.

Sophomores Sarah Judkins and Camila Thorndike are active in the Whitman Campus Climate Challenge as well as a local Coal Concerns group that meets monthly in Walla Walla.

“Just the idea of having a coal plant, which is such a dirty fuel, made me really unhappy, especially in this area, which is really pristine environmentally,” said Judkins.

As well as writing letters, making phone calls and sending e-mails to state and local officials, the two have attended Port of Walla Walla meetings and participated in a statewide photo petition opposing the establishment of new coal plants.

“We’re coordinating with other university students in Washington on the project that involves taking photos of students holding signs with various slogans, such as “no ‘clean’ coal in Washington.” We then send them to a central location to be compiled into a large poster,” said Thorndike.

Regarding the potential global implications of the sequestration testing and coal plant, Thorndike said, “You have to look at the issue both locally and internationally. Even if there is some technological advancement, there is still going to be negative consequences for Walla Walla. The sequestration test is encouraging the use of coal, when we could potentially be putting our efforts into investing in renewable resources, renewable technology and potential energy sources. There are so many things we could do other than this.”

When asked whether they felt their efforts influenced the port commission’s decision to re-evaluate the laboratory’s project proposal, Judkins said, “I can’t really say. It’s like a butterfly effect. Maybe we made a difference. Maybe we didn’t.”

“All activism, just by being concerned and informed about an issue, has a positive effect,” said Thorndike. “Really, the more you do it, the more you want to do it: it’s totally energizing and infectious. I just do what I can and hope that inspires other people.”