An environmental group has filed a lawsuit demanding documents related to the planned methanol refinery at Kalama, Washington.

The lawsuit from Columbia Riverkeeper seeks federal financing information tied to the NW Innovation Works project. It’s estimated to cost $2.1 billion.

“For over eight months, the Department of Energy has refused to turn over this public information,” stated Miles Johnson, senior attorney for Columbia Riverkeeper. “NWIW’s refinery would consume more fracked gas than every gas-fired power plant in Washington state combined, and rank among the state’s leading causes of greenhouse gas pollution. The public has a right to know if our government plans to finance this fossil fuel giant.”

NWIW has asked for a U.S. Department of Energy loan guarantee for the project, as well as state and federal grants to finance construction of a dock and road access to the site, according to Columbia Riverkeeper.

The plant would produce methanol – a colorless liquid used in industrial applications. The project would support 1,000 jobs during construction and 200 jobs on an ongoing basis, according to NWIW.

The project owners have ties to the Chinese government, according to Columbia Riverkeeper.

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