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. Link …

The Coal Pipeline: In Pacific Northwest, A Local Battle Has Global Fallout

Allison Roberts News

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 …

Environmental Groups Upset About Coal Trains

Allison Roberts News

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 dangerous intersections, among other hazards. Read full story here. 

Orient Express: Will Montana become a coal colony? – July 28, 2011

Allison Roberts News

The IR recently wrote about the lawsuit against the decision (of a bare majority) of the Land Board to lease Otter Creek valley for strip-mining by Arch Coal Inc. (Missouri). This decision was made without evaluating environmental and health impacts to our climate and community. The impacts to the health and well-being of Montanans will be myriad and substantial. Most …

Consider all the implications of coal terminal

Allison Roberts News

We can do better. The fire at the Millennium Bulk Terminals site last week highlights the need for our community to have this property cleaned up once and for all. Given the legitimate concern over the potential toxic air pollution and related health impacts from this fire, our community should really be concerned about the long-term health and economic impact …