Hey coal terminal: send not for whom the bell tolls

PAUL K ANDERSON

January 12, 2016

You've probably heard the news: This week, Arch Coal, the second-largest coal company in the US, filed for bankruptcy. Arch is 38% owner of the proposed Millennium Bulk coal export terminal on the Columbia River in Longview, Washington. This huge red flag signals that coal export is a bad investment—an irresponsible investment. It has never been more clear that our communities can do better!

Send a message to Washington Governor Jay Inslee and other key leaders, telling them that coal export is a risky investment and that it’s too dangerous for our air, water and climate.

Unfortunately, this isn’t quite curtains for Millennium’s shaky coal export plans along the Columbia River. A major environmental review on the coal export terminal is scheduled to be released at the end of April, after which the state will hold public hearings—giving us the chance to say NO to this polluting proposal.

Stay tuned for more details on the Millennium DEIS and the public hearings. Power Past Coal coalition partners will need you to volunteer: invite community members to the hearings, collect public comments and of course, attend hearings!

Let Governor Inslee and the other decision makers know that Big Coal shouldn’t stand a chance in the Pacific Northwest. We’re for climate-friendly, clean, safe energy, not dirty (and now bankrupt) coal.

Thank you for all you do for positive change!

Author Bio

Joëlle Robinson

Field Director, Climate Solutions

Joëlle engages community members and diverse constituencies—faith, health, youth, parents, business—to make their voices heard for climate solutions. She led the team of organizers to ensure we stopped any coal export from the U.S. West Coast over the past decade. On offense, she co-led the Field team to help pass the 100% Clean Electricity (Clean Energy Transition Act in 2019) and in 2022 collaborated with the Field team to ensure that all new buildings (commercial and residential) will be built with heat pumps per the State Building Code Council. She continues to conspire for good with them on many other local and state initiatives.

Joëlle was the Regional Outreach Coordinator of National Wildlife Federation where she focused on mobilizing hunters, anglers and concerned citizens around solutions to global warming. Previous work with Climate Solutions includes the NW Climate Connections partnership, serving as the Field Assistant for the successful Clean Cars campaign, and Field Director of the Renewable Fuel Standard, which passed in April 2006.

She previously served on the boards of Earth Ministry, Solar Washington, and Sierra Club Executive Committee. She’s currently President of the board of her 3 year-old!

Joëlle is Northwest born and raised who loves to hike, dance, travel and explore the natural world.

Her favorite quote is “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” — Mary Oliver