Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt speaks out against coal as advocates both for and against coal exports converge on Clark College for a public discussion on Wednesday December12, 2012. (Zachary Kaufman/The Columbian)

Anti-coal export advocates listen to Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt speak as people on both sides of the issue converge on Clark College for a public discussion on Wednesday December12, 2012. (Zachary Kaufman/The Columbian)

Advocates both for and against coal exports converge on Clark College for a public discussion on Wednesday December12, 2012. (Zachary Kaufman/The Columbian)

Advocates both for and against coal exports converge on Clark College for a public discussion on Wednesday December12, 2012. (Zachary Kaufman/The Columbian)

BNSF engineer John Lawson, left, 45, of the Tri-Cities, and Pablo M. Avvocato, 19, of both Portland and Vancouver, have a discussion about the issue of coal exports as advocates on both sides of the issue converge on Clark College for a public discussion on Wednesday December12, 2012. "We're all better off if we can have a civil discussion," said Lawson. (Zachary Kaufman/The Columbian)

Tim Falsetto, 52, who is a BNSF employee, attaches a sticker to his chest as advocates both for and against coal exports converge on Clark College for a public discussion on Wednesday December12, 2012. (Zachary Kaufman/The Columbian)

Anti-coal activist Rick Schmitt, 51, of Vancouver, wears a coal costume while waving at passing cars on Fort Vancouver Way as advocates both for and against coal exports converge on Clark College for a public discussion on Wednesday December12, 2012. (Zachary Kaufman/The Columbian)

Kenny Jones, of Portland, gives a thumbs down to what a speaker is saying as advocates both for and against coal exports converge on Clark College for a public discussion on Wednesday December12, 2012. (Zachary Kaufman/The Columbian)

Anti-coal export advocates raise their hand's in agreement with a speaker as people on both sides of the issue converge on Clark College for a public discussion on Wednesday December12, 2012. (Zachary Kaufman/The Columbian)

BNSF employee Jason Sanger holds up a sign as advocates both for and against coal exports converge on Clark College for a public discussion on Wednesday December12, 2012. (Zachary Kaufman/The Columbian)

Iron worker representing Local 29 Philip Lopez, center, holds up a sign as advocates both for and against coal exports converge on Clark College for a public discussion on Wednesday December12, 2012. (Zachary Kaufman/The Columbian)