Coalition Appeals Dredging Permit for Coos Bay that Would Pave Way for Coal Export

Allison Roberts News

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 …

Rail yard neighbors concerned about coal dust

Allison Roberts News

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 …

Guest Opinion: Are coal-carrying trains a sign of progress?

Allison Roberts News

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 …

EDITORIAL: The trains are coming

Allison Roberts News

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

Allison Roberts News

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 …

Coal Export Threatens the Northwest

Allison Roberts video

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 Riverkeeper teamed with Balance Media to produce the video. Photo …