A long-view of coal-export facilities weaves together who is paying for what, the spectrum of environmental impacts, and forecasting where the country will be a generation from now. But politics are rarely hitched to a long view of history. Read the full story here.
Environmental groups criticize Gorge coal trains
KGW News at 6 includes coal dust complaints on the Columbia River Gorge. Watch the full video here.
Over 450 Flood Salem to Sound the Alarm on Pending Coal Export Permit
Salem, Ore. – Over 450 Oregon residents and a diverse group of local leaders flooded the steps of Oregon’s Capitol this morning to call on Governor Kitzhaber to deny Ambre Energy a dredging permit at the Port of Morrow. Many community leaders and residents feel they can’t trust the Australian-based coal company which in 2011 lied to the community of …
What Coal-Train Dust Means For Human Health In Pacific Northwest
With five coal export terminals under consideration in Washington and Oregon, Northwest residents are grappling for the first time with issues that are old hat in coal states like West Virginia and Kentucky. One of those issues: coal dust. Read the full story here.
Coal Export Terminal Faces Setback On South Oregon Coast
A coal export terminal proposed for Oregon’s South Coast has hit a setback. Two of the project’s investors have dropped out, according to documents obtained Friday by EarthFix. Project Mainstay in Coos Bay is one of five proposed coal export terminals in the Pacific Northwest. They’re intended to ship coal from mines in Montana and Wyoming to markets in Asia …
3 rail cars derail in Missoula, spilling coal
Montana Rail Link is cleaning up three rail cars and 80 tons of coal that derailed around midnight in Missoula, MRL spokeswoman Lynda Frost said Tuesday afternoon. The derailment, near Van Buren Avenue, involved no injuries and no hazardous material, she said. The cause is under investigation. The cars were carrying coal and headed for Portland, Ore., Frost said. One …
Guest opinion: Speak up on health effects of burning coal
After practicing family medicine for 30 years, I had to step back from my clinical practice in order to better serve patients and our community. It became clear to me that we need to address the true causes of our diseases. One of the most dangerous threats to current and future generations is our use of coal — a critical …
Renewable Energy Policy Uncertainty Stalls A Fossil Fuel-Free Future, Experts Say
From his solar panel manufacturing facility in Marysville, Wash., Gary Shaver can see and hear passing coal trains. “The tracks are maybe a block away, and this is not a Texas block,” said Shaver, president of Silicon Energy, LLC. To get to and from his factory, workers and clients have to cross those tracks, which may soon become heavily trafficked …
Diverse Voices Heard At EarthFix Seattle Coal Export Panel
SEATTLE – There are now five places in the Pacific Northwest considering the installment of coal export terminals. The largest, Gateway Pacific Terminal, could be built near Bellingham, Washington. That has some Seattleites worried about potential impacts of the terminals, including increased traffic congestion and rail safety, and consequences to human and environmental health. Others see an opportunity for living-wage …