In the letter, Governor Kitzhaber notes that critical health and safety issues remain unresolved, stating,
“I have already heard from many of our citizens and elected officials who are deeply concerned about the impacts of increased coal train traffic running through their communities. I share their concerns.”
In short, the Governor is acknowledging the enormous outpouring of concern and opposition to coal export from communities across the Pacific Northwest.
Governor Kitzhaber also identifies mercury pollution from global coal use as a health risk for Oregonians.
“Coal-fired energy production in Asia has been directly linked to increases in air pollution on the west coast of the United States”, adding that the “air quality impacts of the use of Powder River coal in Asia must be explored in the context of a comprehensive federal EIS.”
The Governor names greenhouse gas emissions from coal as a “major concern”, and questioned how coal exports would impact a global transition towards lower-carbon fuels. Additionally, the Governor called on the federal government to consider the impact of coal mines in the Powder River Basin as part of a comprehensive review.
The Governor’s letter leaves unanswered a critical question: what will the State of Oregon do with its own authority to issue or deny coal export permits in the coming months?
With rallies, letters, postcards, and phone calls, we have been urging the State of Oregon to deny or suspend any permits for coal export projects until the State and the region are able to fully evaluate the impacts of the projects. Currently, the Oregon Department of State Lands is reviewing over 7,000 comments that were submitted in opposition to Ambre Energy’s proposal to ship Powder River Basin coal through the Port of Morrow and Port of St. Helens to Asia – one of six proposals to export coal in the Pacific Northwest.
What You Can Do
Call Governor Kitzhaber
Thank the Governor for taking a stand on coal exports and asking for a full federal review of coal exports. The State of Oregon also has significant authority on coal export. Ask the Governor to direct state agencies to deny or suspend any permits for coal exports until the State understands the scope and impact of the projects.
Governor's Citizens' Representative Message Line: (503) 378-4582
Attend Upcoming Power Past Coal Forum in St. Johns
When: Thursday, April 26th, 7:00-8:30 PM
Where: St. Johns Community Center (8427 North Central Street in Portland)
Why: North Portland will be one of the most acutely impacted communities in Portland by coal exports. We need to get people informed!
Who: North Portland residents, health professionals, Riverkeeper, and many others
Rally Against Coal in Pioneer Courthouse Square!
Featured speaker: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
When: Monday, May 7th, Noon
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square, SW 6th & Morrison, Portland
Why: We need national attention on coal exports in the Pacific NW. With your help and your attendance, we will rally and march in downtown Portland to expose King Coal’s dirty plans for the Pacific NW. We can do better!
Who: RFK Jr., the entire Power Past Coal coalition, and you!
