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 …
Traces of coal found along Washington railways
A Puget Sound protection group made that discovery that could help opponents of a proposed coal terminal in this state. http://www.king5.com/story/tech/science/environment/2014/08/02/13006886/ Photo credit: www.king5.com/story/tech/science/environment/2014/08/02/13006886
Controversy over Longview coal terminal
A company that wants to build a coal terminal in Longview, Wash., says it will re-apply for a permit In the next few months. But opponents say the company has already proven itself untrustworthy. Photo credit: www.king5.com/story/tech/science/environment/2014/07/31/12972674
Company builds roads for coal terminal without proper permit
Whatcom County is prepared to fine Seattle-based company SSA Marine after it says the company built a series of roads through sensitive woodlands without the proper permit. Photo credit: www.king5.com/story/local/2015/06/17/13002644
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 emissions, so the debate is happening at the local level. …
Guest Editorial: Exporting Montana coal doesn’t fuel prosperity, March 17, 2011
America is moving away from coal. As we have started using energy more efficiently (such as with compact fluorescent light bulbs and more building insulation) and to use cleaner sources of energy (such as wind power), our demand for coal has started to decline. Read the full story here. By ED GULICK, Chair of the Billings-based Northern Plains Resource Council. …
Coal quandary as state plans to send dirty fuel overseas
Just as Washington is weaning itself off coal, two companies are pushing to make the state a leading exporter of the fossil fuel. That possibility has sparked a fierce debate: If coal is so dirty that Washington won’t use it, should the state really serve as a conduit for shipping it overseas? Read the full story.
Groups sue Millennium over alleged Clean Water Act violations
Vancouver and Longview citizens groups announced Tuesday they will sue the owner of a proposed coal dock in West Longview, contending that Millennium Bulk Terminals is violating the federal Clean Water Act by handling coal without a permit. Read the full story here.
EDITORIAL: Washington does not need to help feed China’s coal habit
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.
