A coalition of local residents, grassroots environmental and clean-energy groups appealed the dredging permit in part due to concerns about the harmful impacts on Coos Bay waterways that serve as salmon and oyster habitat that in turn support commercial and recreational fisheries. The permit authorizes the single largest dredging project in an estuary the state has ever approved. Oregonians are …
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 about the way train operations and the rail yard affect …
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 of global warming pollution. Coal-fired power is flat-lining in the …
Guest Opinion: Are coal-carrying trains a sign of progress?
Washington has a long and proud history of economic innovation. Our state is known for technological advances that change the world. As members of Washington’s business community, we know how valuable are our region’s high quality of life, healthy business environment and stellar reputation as a technology driver to growing existing businesses and attracting new businesses to the region. And …
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. Access the quick facts here.
EDITORIAL: The trains are coming
The trains are coming! The trains are coming! Marysville’s issue with increasing rail traffic is here to stay in spite of all the ink that’s been spilled over BNSF’s high-handed intention to slice Marysville in half with a chain saw of coal cars. From a local perspective it just isn’t fair but from the BNSF perspective, our perspective doesn’t count …
Guest Opinion: Lummi Nation reviewing proposed deep-water port terminal
Lummi Nation and its members rely on land at Cherry Point and the adjacent marine waters for commercial, ceremonial and subsistence fisheries necessary to perpetuate the Lummi schelangen (“way of life”). Our ancestors made sure that our right to fish and gather at this usual and accustomed site was protected in our treaty with the United States Read the full …
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 itself and the additional 18 trains that would rumble through …
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 ports. It’s pretty clear that both projects are environmental horror …
