— from Rick Manugian, Senate Democrats Communication —
Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, issued this statement on today’s decision by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers against the proposal to build the Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point to ship coal brought in from Montana to mainland China.
“This is an incredible victory for human health, environmental health, clean energy and the sovereign rights of the Lummi Nation, which rightly challenged the project on the basis of its threat to their air, water and land.
“Today we move forward, past coal and towards healthier communities and the more sustainable path of renewable energies and green jobs.
“It makes far more sense to focus our infrastructure and training and employment efforts on family wage jobs that can serve Washingtonians for decades to come.”
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
Thank you heartily, Kevin, for your strong support on this very important issue, so crucial to our local ecology and economy. We no longer have to worry about coal dust blowing across Georgia Strait to Orcas Island during the gale-force Fraser Gap winter winds. And thank you, Lummi Nation, for leading then broad coalition of Native American tribes and local, state and national environmental groups that staunchly opposed this ill-conceived fossil-fuel transport project.
Congratulations to all involved in reaching this high point!
Some of the most wonderful news we have had in a long, long time! Like Jan & Frank, I want to thanks everyone involved in getting us here!!!! Merry
Great result to a tremendous amount of solid effort. Thanks to all who did the work.
While I realize very well that the Lummi Nation submitted such a cogent and well researched document to the Army Corps to protect THEIR treaty rights, I want to thank them for thereby protected all of the rights of the rest of us to clean air, clean water and a more intact ecosystem. Thank you Lummi Nation.
Congratulations Lummi Nation! Salmon Feast Time! Thanks to all who helped.
Spirit Eagle
Thank you to all who helped make this happen!