The Port of Coos Bay has set a mind-boggling new standard for blocking access to public records in Oregon. First, it put a price tag on documents that could drive them out of reach of the public. That’s not uncommon. Then the port took it two steps further: First, it challenged the records request because of the motivation of those …
Asian demand for coal could bring more trains rolling on Montana rails
The number of freight trains loaded with coal that pass through Montana could significantly grow in the next several years, thanks to the planned development of new ports on the West Coast with an eye on the abundant coal of Eastern Montana and Wyoming. The Northern Plains Resource Council estimates demand from Asian markets at the new ports could mean …
EDITORIAL: Huge coal-export terminal needs rigorous environmental, health and traffic reviews
Plans for the massive coal-export operation at Cherry Point, north of Bellingham, deserve the broadest possible environmental review, plus the additional detailed analysis of a health-impact assessment. The Gateway Pacific Terminal Project proposed by SSA Marine invites the widest possible scrutiny, because nine 1.5 mile-long coal trains will rumble through communities around the state each day before they reach the …
Study Questions Coal’s Value to Bellingham
As an environmental review approaches, opponents and supporters of exporting coal to China are angling to shape the perception of how a proposed facility will affect Bellingham and even cities like Seattle and Edmonds. Read more.
Coal Trains Sound Alarm
The proposed massive movement of coal by train from Wyoming through the Columbia Gorge to a half-dozen small Northwest ports for shipping — to feed power plants in China and India — could cause problems for people in Eugene and other cities that the rail lines run through. Read more.
Coal Export Terminal Opponents Submit Petition
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Some Washington citizens are voicing opposition about plans to build three new coal export terminals in their communities. Opponents of those proposals delivered more than 40,000 signatures to the state capitol in Olympia Wednesday. Toni Montgomery lives in Vancouver, Washington. She says coal trains already pass by her house on their way to export terminals. “Who’s going …
Coal Export the Wrong Direction for Longview
Statement from Brett Vandenheuvel, Columbia Riverkeeper and Power Past Coal coalition in response to Millenium Bulk Terminals filing permit for 44 million ton coal export facility in Longview, WA “Millennium went into hiding after they were caught lying about the scale of their coal export terminal one year ago. No one has forgotten the lies and the mistrust of the …
DA waives Sierra Club’s fees for Port of Coos Bay records
On February 28, 2012, Oregon’s Coos County’s district attorney R. Paul Frazier ruled that the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay was unreasonable in charging the Sierra Club more than $16,000 to access public records related to the Port’s plans to develop coal exports facilities. The Sierra Club hailed the D.A.’s decision as a “victory for transparency,” explaining that “for too …
Sierra Club Appeals For Coos Bay Coal Records
Anti-coal activists say the International Port of Coos Bay trying to hide information about proposed coal export projects by denying access to public records. On Wednesday, the Sierra Club appealed the Port’s decision to charge nearly $20,000 for access to 2,500 public records of coal export and storage proposals in and around Coos Bay. . . “They have not been …
Musician Kris Orlowski speaks out against coal export
Musician and Bellingham native made this PSA with Climate Solutions to spread the word about the Power Past Coal campaign — and saying no to coal export and yes to a clean energy future. Photo Credit: Climate Solutions video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=19&v=qZIiJt-FvgQ
