The greater Vancouver area is ground zero for one of the largest increases in global pollution ever imagined. Tons of coal and millions of barrels of crude oil are set to move through the Gorge and Vancouver every year. This expansion of fossil fuel supply could soon push us over the tipping point to irreversible global warming.
It’s beginning in Oregon. DEQ has issued a draft permit for a coal terminal on the Columbia River in Boardman. Construction could begin in September. Gov. John Kitzhaber could still deny the permits, depending on the public response. Record crowds showed up to testify at the last coal hearing. The next one is July 9 at the Oregon Convention Center. You can sign up to speak at http://bit.ly/17UOMmN. You can also testify in writing at http://1.usa.gov/12dKY7l. A coalition including Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Columbia Riverkeeper and The Sierra Club is staging a public rally and press conference outside the northeast entrance at 5:30 p.m.
Don Steinke
Vancouver
