Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance
What Coal Dust Looks Like in Alaska
Photos from Seward, Alaska’s coal export facility reveal the dirty truth about coal dust. See the photos.
Dan Serres
Coalition Appeals Dredging Permit for Coos Bay that Would Pave Way for Coal Export
On January 18th, a coalition of citizen groups filed an appeal of the Oregon Department of State Lands’ decision to issue a dredging permit for the Port of Coos Bay that would allow the Port to export dirty coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG). While the “multi-purpose” dredging permit was initially…
Less Coal in Our Stockings?
The U.S. EPA’s announcement of new standards for mercury, lead, arsenic and other air toxics from major coal and oil-fired power plants is, as David Roberts puts it, a really big deal. Coal plants are the world’s largest sources of mercury and other toxics; burning coal is the biggest source…
Paul K. Anderson
The Coal Pipeline: In Pacific Northwest, A Local Battle Has Global Fallout
That coal and its potential implications has sparked a fierce fight in this otherwise quiet college town. . .The opposition includes doctors, business owners, ecologists and community activists, who are concerned about harm to the air and water, among other potential health, environmental and economic consequences of both the port…
Bart Mihailovich
Environmental Groups Upset About Coal Trains
Environmental groups in the Spokane area are upset with proposals that could see dozens of trains loaded with coal destined for the Far East move through the city every day. They fear that coal dust and increased diesel emissions will damage human health, while increased rail traffic will make for more…
Paul K. Anderson
In Northwest Town, A Local Fight Against Global Coal
Plans are afoot to build giant new coal terminals on the West Coast to ship this lucrative commodity to China. But activists want to stop this, in part because coal produces huge amounts of carbon dioxide when it’s burned. Federal climate policy is silent on this potentially large source of…
Recent Coal Export Trends: Quarter 3 2011
A look at the US EIA’s latest quarterly report of coal exports in Western Custom Districts. It looks like 2011 might be a coal export boom for the West, but even recent increases are virtually nothing compared to the proposals at Cherry Point. Read more and see the charts.
Four Pictures of International Coal
Consumption trends in Asia, and particularly China, are in the driver’s seat of world coal trends. It’s not surprising that Chinese coal markets and Chinese energy policy are the subject of much attention by coal companies and public interest advocates alike. Read more.
Why Railroads Care About Coal Exports
Here are three pictures that help explain why American railways seem to be supporting coal export proposals in Northwest. It’s because railways are very closely connected to the coal industry. Read more.
Rail yard neighbors concerned about coal dust
Lowell Chandler held up the palms of his hands so members of the Missoula City Council and the public could see the black smears from his home near the rail yard. Chandler had rubbed his hand on a railing before speaking Wednesday at a Public Safety and Health Committee meeting…
Basic Facts on Coal Exports
Sightline Institute looks at the basic facts of global coal exports, including top exporters, top imports, and where the US fits in.
Coal Export Threatens the Northwest
Compelling three-minute video highlights plans to export dirty U.S. coal to Asia. Local voices from Longview, Bellingham, Hood River, and Portland share how coal trains and terminals will harm their communities. The video captures the filth of coal and the shine of those who know we can do better. Columbia…
Coal Exports Are Bigger Threat Than Tar Sands Pipeline
The planned Keystone XL oil pipeline has earned major national attention for the damage it would do to the climate. At the same time, another climate drama is playing out with much less attention as coal companies make plans to export huge quantities to Asia by way of Pacific Northwest…
Coal-export plans turn into a running battle
In the literary world it is called foreshadowing. Those little hints and bits that suggest what might come next. The corporate bumbling surrounding creation of two giant coal terminals in Washington has that feel. Read the full story here.