Beloved Community: Today, we have received very good news indeed in the Pacific Northwest, good news that you can rightfully celebrate as having happened thanks to YOUR advocacy. Today, the three agencies that will determine the future of the coal export through Washington State announced their decision to do a cumulative and comprehensive review of the environmental costs of coal for the proposed coal export terminal at Cherry Point, near Bellingham. The environmental review will consider impacts on human health by coal dust all along the train lines, an assessment of how the large number and heavy loads of coal trains would affect traffic both on rail lines and in our communities, and a decision to look at coal shipping impacts in the waters of Puget Sound and the Salish Sea. Most importantly, for the first time ever, the Environmental Impact Statement will include the climate change impact of burning this coal in China (referred to as evaluation and disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions of end-use coal combustion). Our beloved faith communities in the Northwest have earned this victory! You wrote comments, held meetings at your churches, spread the word, and came to hearings around the state in large numbers to testify for good stewardship of Earth’s ecosystems. All of us at Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power & Light, lead religious partner in the Power Past Coal campaign, are so proud of your advocacy. YOU helped deliver this bad news to King Coal and stand in protection of God’s creation. Our work, of course, is not yet done. The first of 5 hearings on the Longview coal export proposal are beginning on September 17 in Longview, with additional hearings in Spokane (Sept 25), Pasco (Oct 1), Vancouver (Oct 9) and Tacoma (Oct 17). Let’s push for the same kind of excellent faith involvement in the coming hearings for the Longview terminal as we had for Cherry Point. Follow the links below for more detailed information on what will be included in the environmental review of the Cherry Point project: Washington Department of Ecology Sightline Grist This is a success beyond my wildest expectations. Together we are making a real difference for the health of our neighbors and our planet. Thank you! Jessie Dye Program and Outreach Director
Posted on: Thu, 08 Aug 2013 17:22:06 +0000