News

State lawmakers grill BP over Olympic Pipeline leak

FILE - In this Aug. 1, 2017 file photo, the oil producer BP company logo at a petrol station in London is shown. BP, a major player on Alaska's North Slope for decades, is selling all of its assets in the state, the company announced Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. Hilcorp Alaska is purchasing BP interests in both the Prudhoe Bay oil field and the trans-Alaska pipeline for $5.6 billion, BP announced in a release.(AP Photo/Caroline Spiezio) Photo: Contributed


OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – State lawmakers are demanding answers following a nearly two-weeklong shutdown on the Olympic Pipeline.

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen was among eight members of Congress who wrote a letter to BP’s North America CEO Wednesday, Dec. 10.

They voiced their concerns over the latest incident in what’s been a “decades-long history” of spills along the pipeline.

The leak was first reported in Snohomish County on Nov. 11, and BP shut the pipeline down several days later before fully reopening it on Dec. 1. BP says it recovered nearly 2,300 gallons of fuel, though there still isn’t a full estimate of how much leaked.

That’s among the many questions lawmakers have for BP, along with how it plans to address any contamination and prevent it from happening again in the future.

They’re asking BP to respond to the questions by Jan. 8, 2026.

Recent Headlines

16 hours ago in Sports

FIFA investigates Argentina players confronting Spain’s on-field World Cup celebrations

FIFA opened an investigation Monday after Spain's celebrations on beating Argentina in the World Cup final took an ugly turn when players briefly clashed on the field. Video replays showed several players involved in a scuffle, including Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes.

16 hours ago in Entertainment

Judge says Paramount and Warner must halt merger for at least two weeks, granting states’ request

A federal judge on Monday ordered Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to halt their $81 billion merger for at least two weeks, allowing states that are challenging the deal more time to see their case through in court.

14 hours ago in Crime, Local, Trending

Everett man pleads not guilty to killing Bellingham woman in July 4th hit-and-run

The man has an extensive criminal record, including 17 felony convictions in Washington.

17 hours ago in Local, National, Traffic, Trending, World

Global tensions inch gas prices inch higher in Whatcom County

The average price at the pump in the county sits at $4.80 per gallon as of Monday.

17 hours ago in Government, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Local, Trending

Third tiny home village planned for Bellingham

The newest location is expected to be complete by early 2027.

Bellingham Traffic