CJL and the No Coal Eugene community coalition are teaming up with communities and schools throughout the Northwest to take a stand against the proposed coal export terminals along the Columbia River and Washington.  This decision is disguised as an effort to promote job growth and American energy security, but in reality is a result of the concerted efforts of the world’s largest coal companies seeking to expand their profits by shipping U.S coal overseas for Asian consumption. The expanding frontier of western coal production has already begun; currently, 70-80 trains leave the Powder River Basin daily, shipping out the equivalent of 40% of total annual U.S coal consumption. In Washington, several energy companies are pursuing permits to build coal ports, to transport this coal overseas to countries like China, South Korea, India, and Japan.While the estimated job opportunities of these ports are slight, they expected impact on human health is certain to be significant; coal dust pollution is shown to cause emphysema, bronchitis, and black lung. The coal burned abroad will come back to us as mercury pollution that shows up in the air, fish, and water across the West coast.

An action is being planned for this summer to stop coal export mining in Montanta.

CJL wants to be a part of the bigger picture in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, not only in our community, but worldwide. Join us at our meetings!

Open Bed Coal Train