Coal Terminal Hearings Draw 1,000

Allison Roberts News

An estimated 1,000 people filed into the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds on Wednesday to make their best case for or against a proposed coal export terminal in Longview.

The meeting was the latest show of force for two well-organized groups that have packed similar gatherings across the state since last month. Opponents, wearing red shirts, decried the community and environmental impacts of sending coal through the Northwest and burning it overseas. Blue-clad supporters touted the plan they said would bring an economic boost to a region that badly needs it.

On Wednesday, red shirts appeared to far outnumber those who want the coal facility to move forward.

“It’s the most toxic fossil fuel we have, and we have better ways of generating electricity,” said Camas resident Rick Marshall, a real estate developer.

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