Thank you for keeping the coal export issue front and center (“In Our View — Make Coal Great Again?” April 24, The Columbian; and “Review of Proposed Longview Coal Terminal: Project poses safety, health risks,” April 29, Associated Press).
As pointed out, coal represents the past. The jobs issue is a red herring, designed to sadly ensnare the public into believing that the only solution for jobs is to make that deal with the devil (allow one corporation’s profit motive to override the well-being of our river, our health, our safety, and the future of our children).
The just-released final environmental impact study for the Longview coal export proposal should not be seen as a “go-ahead” for a company that has deliberately minimized risks and concerns raised repeatedly by thousands at public hearings and in submitted comments. The study validates many of those concerns, concluding unavoidable and adverse impacts to our communities and the environment we all share. “Mitigation” will not protect us.
Stay in touch with Columbia Riverkeeper (columbiariverkeeper.org) and the Power Past Coal coalition (www.powerpastcoal.org) as final permits are considered.
We must hold our “thin green line” by supporting ecology and Cowlitz County to deny permits and say a final “no” to this project.
