State Senators Write Letter Regarding Coal Terminal Concerns

From the State Democrats office

A coalition of 13 Washington state senators whose districts will be impacted by the development of a coal terminal north of Bellingham are urging local and state officials to consider all impacts of the project.

The senators voiced their concerns in a letter to Ted Sturdevant, Director of the Washington State Department of Ecology, and Whatcom County Executive Pete Kremen, asking that the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) analysis look beyond the specific environmental impacts to the development site.

The legislators are requesting a more comprehensive statewide examination of the environmental impacts associated with coal transportation and to consider the affect significantly increased rail traffic will have on communities throughout the state as well as businesses and other state rail commerce.

“I have heard from dozens of individuals and businesses in my district and elsewhere in the state who have concerns regarding the transportation of coal through their communities as well as what impact the significantly increased number of trains per day will have on local businesses,” said Senator Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, who spearheaded the letter.

“The coal train is passing through many districts, including mine,” said Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, who also signed the letter. “I even see it from my home in Belltown. We believe it is essential that the State Environmental Policy Act review be sufficiently broad to consider impacts, and not just those pertaining to the specific site.”