Wall Street Giant Backs Away From Washington Coal Export Project
Oregon Public Broadcasting, Jan 7 2014
A multinational banking giant is backing away from a proposal to build the West Coast’s biggest coal export project near Bellingham, Washington.
Washington coal export project dumped by Goldman Sachs
John Upton, Grist, Jan 8 2013
Goldman Sachs is looking a tad less evil. It has dumped its holdings in a shaky project that would build the Gateway Pacific Terminal near Bellingham, Wash., intended to be the West Coast’s biggest coal export terminal.
Massey tunnel replacement key to Canada's economy, VBOT president says
Jen St. Denis, Business in Vancouver, Oct 1, 2013
But critics say removing the tunnel is the first step in turning the Fraser River into a highly industrialized waterway
Preparations for greatly expanded oil exports already moving forward
Barbara Yaffe, Vancouver Sun, August 26, 2013
Washington approach to coal superior
Brian Morton, Vancouver Sun, Associated Press, August 2, 2013
State more likely to consult public and consider impacts
A two-year statewide environmental study on exporting millions of tons of coal through a terminal north of Seattle contrasts sharply with what's being done in B.C. as the province debates increased coal exports, according to provincial environment groups.
Metro votes to oppose new coal terminal on Fraser River
Jeff Nagel, Surrey North Delta Leader, June 14, 2013
BNSF Railways, Coal Shippers Sued in Federal Court for Water Contamination Violations
Press Release, Sierra Club, June 5 2013
SEATTLE-- Today, the Sierra Club and its partners filed suit against Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) and several coal companies for violations of the federal Clean Water Act. The Sierra Club, Puget Soundkeeper, Columbia Riverkeeper, RE Sources for Sustainable Communities, and Friends of the Columbia Gorge sent a 60 day notice in April after collecting evidence demonstrating the companies’ responsibility for emitting coal into waterways in several locations across Washington. Spokane Riverkeeper and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) recently sent a notice letter for these violations as well.
Oil trains -- pipelines on wheels -- headed to Northwest terminals and refineries from North Dakota fracking
Scott Learn, OregonLive.com, May 13 2013
The boom in North Dakota's Bakken oil field is speeding to the Northwest, a boon for ports and refineries that could bring in upwards of 200 million barrels of crude each year on mile-plus oil trains.
Kitimat port announcement surprise to Rio Tinto Alcan, District of Kitimat
Robin Rowland, NW Coast Energy News, March 21 2013
The announcement Monday that the federal government intends to turn the private port of Kitimat into a public port, an announcement confirmed by Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver in Terrace, Tuesday, came as a surprise to Rio Tinto Alcan, which now operates the port.
Ottawa tightens tanker safety with $120-million plan
Ian Bailey, Globe and Mail, Mar. 18 2013
VANCOUVER — The federal government pushed back at suggestions it is advancing an energy agenda at the cost of the environment, announcing amendments to the Canada Shipping Act and eight new tanker-safety measures in British Columbia, where there have been deep concerns about pipeline safety and spill control.
Harper government announces first steps towards World-Class Tanker Safety System
News Release, Transport Canada, March 18, 2013
VANCOUVER — The Harper government today announced a number of measures toward the creation of a World-Class Tanker Safety System. The implementation of eight tanker safety measures was announced along with the introduction of the Safeguarding Canada's Seas and Skies Act, and the creation of a Tanker Safety Expert Panel to review Canada's current tanker safety system and propose further measures to strengthen it. The announcement was made by the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources.
B.C.'s coal industry expansion plans face opposition
CBC News, March 12, 2013
Port Metro Vancouver has approved the expansion of a coal facility in North Vancouver and is looking for a new facility to be built in Surrey, but the plans are generating opposition from regional mayors, environmentalists and residents.
Health advocates continue fight for more study of expanded coal port
Gordon Hoekstra, Vancouver Sun, January 30, 2013
Critics want to know effects of increased diesel exhaust and coal dust from trains
Health leaders will continue to press Port Metro to conduct wider health-impact assessments of diesel exhaust and coal dust in the Lower Mainland after the go-ahead was given to an expanded coal terminal in North Vancouver.
Governor Inslee Calls Coal Exports ‘The Largest Decision We Will Be Making As A State From A Carbon Pollution Standpoint’
Jessica Goad, ThinkProgress.com, Jan 22 2013
Newly-minted Washington Governor Jay Inslee has been lauded for his impassioned views on environmental issues from climate change to renewable energy. Indeed, his first official act as governor was to write a letter to a clean energy company inviting it to relocate to the state.
Is it time to put the brakes on runaway coal development?
Mark Hume, Globe and Mail, Dec 23 2012
The coal industry is booming in British Columbia, with a dozen new mines proposed around the province and the port of Metro Vancouver making expansive plans to become the biggest coal-exporting facility in North America.
Digging for China
Jason Mark, American Prospect, July 11 2012
A fight against planned coal-export terminals in the Pacific Northwest is becoming the next big climate battle.
'Civil disobedience' planned for White Rock rails
By Alex Browne, Peace Arch News, May 01, 2012
They've asked to meet with government, they say, to no avail.
Now members of the group British Columbians for Climate Action – who want the export of coal from B.C. phased out – are taking their message to the streets, or rather rails, of White Rock.
The Facts about Kinder Morgan
Eric de Place, Sightline Institute, April 2012
Coal shipper has a track record of pollution, lawbreaking, and cover-ups
RTI (Ridley Terminals) reaches another long-term agreement for up to 900,000 tonnes per year
By Shaun Thomas, The Northern View, December 15, 2011
Ridley Terminals has reached another long term agreement with a coal company that could result in significantly more volume being moved through Prince Rupert.
Shell buys Kitimat property for site of its proposed LNG terminal
By GORDON HAMILTON, Vancouver Sun, October 20, 2011
Royal Dutch Shell has purchased the old Methanex plant site at Kitimat, moving one step closer to building its proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal to access Asian markets.
Carbon Bomb: Bill McKibben considers the coal fuse burning at Cherry Point
Tim Johnson, Cascadia Weekly, May 25, 2011
Bellingham has a big decision to shoulder. Author and environmentalist Bill McKibben is cheering us on.
Bellingham's first debate on coal-for-China project reflects growing tensions
By Floyd McKay, Crosscut.com, April 28, 2011
The first public debate on the construction of a giant coal-shipping terminal north of Bellingham made it quite clear that opposing forces are, well, like trains running on separate tracks, with increasing frustrations on all sides.
Cherry Point coal terminal debate draws overflow Bellingham crowd
JOHN STARK, The Bellingham Herald, April 28, 2011
BELLINGHAM - More than 300 people packed Northwood Hall Wednesday, April 27, for a City Club debate of the Gateway Pacific coal and bulk cargo terminal proposed for Cherry Point, and many more were turned away for lack of space.
