Coal mined from one of the largest coal deposits in the world could more than triple the amount of train traffic that goes through Bozeman in the coming years. Communities in eastern Montana and Wyoming would benefit from a coming coal boom that some see shaping up. Cities on the West Coast and Asian nations would benefit from the bounty …
Asian demand for coal could bring more trains rolling on Montana rails
The number of freight trains loaded with coal that pass through Montana could significantly grow in the next several years, thanks to the planned development of new ports on the West Coast with an eye on the abundant coal of Eastern Montana and Wyoming. The Northern Plains Resource Council estimates demand from Asian markets at the new ports could mean …
EDITORIAL: Huge coal-export terminal needs rigorous environmental, health and traffic reviews
Plans for the massive coal-export operation at Cherry Point, north of Bellingham, deserve the broadest possible environmental review, plus the additional detailed analysis of a health-impact assessment. The Gateway Pacific Terminal Project proposed by SSA Marine invites the widest possible scrutiny, because nine 1.5 mile-long coal trains will rumble through communities around the state each day before they reach the …
Increased Coal Train Traffic Could Mean Bad News For Public Health
Box car after box car full of black rock, settled into the shape of bread loaves in uncovered containers, rumbles along the Bellingham waterfront. This is one of hundreds of communities that have grown up along the railways in the Northwest. If more coal is exported, that could mean more trains like these coming through towns on their way to export …
Wyoming coal to Asia draws hopes, opposition
“Wyoming producers are increasingly hoping Asia’s booming demand for Powder River Basin coal will cover a slide in domestic need. But there’s a problem. The West Coast, home to few port facilities capable of shipping coal, is choking sales to Asia…. Opposition to the coal shipments is rising on a number of fronts, even as the ink dries on agreements …
Coal Coming Through A Community Near You?
China wants it. That puts the Northwest squarely in the middle of supply and demand. Train routes would take coal from deposits like the Powder River Basin in Wyoming to shipping terminals along the West Coast. From there, the coal could be delivered by boat to Asian markets. EarthFix’s Ashley Ahearn turns to Eric de Place, a researcher with Sightline Institute –- a …
Port of Vancouver dodges coal, embraces potash
Faced with a choice of helping to grow food or feed industry, the Port of Vancouver picked a fertilizer ingredient over the dirtiest fossil fuel on the planet. The port’s decision in 2009 to export potash rather than coal positioned it to accomplish long-term economic development objectives. Read more.
Local clean energy, not coal exporting, is key to Northwest prosperity
As we approach the twilight of the fossil fuel era, don’t expect dirty energy to fade without a fight. Coal use in the United States has been declining for some time, but attempts are underway to revive the coal industry’s fortunes by exporting American coal to feed the growth of China and other Asian economies. Read more.
Port opens door for China to get U.S. coal
As Northwest concerns build about global and local environmental issues in the Northwest, a small Oregon port gives its approval to exporting coal to burn in Chinese power plants. Read more.
Major traffic revisions pivotal to Longview coal terminal’s future
If local planners have their way, motorists on Oregon Way in Longview will one day to look down at the Industrial Way intersection and see freight trains passing underneath. This overpass is the lynchpin of an emerging, $200 million plan to upgrade the region’s aging rail network to accommodate industrial growth. Read the full story here.
