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A MOTION expressing deep concern about the serious potential impacts of new coal terminals in Oregon and Washington and urging a comprehensive environmental review of the impacts of proposals for new terminals, including the associated transport and burning of coal.
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WHEREAS, mounting evidence demonstrates the negative human health impacts of coal mining, processing, transporting and combustion, and
WHEREAS, the burning of coal produces the highest greenhouse gas content of any fuel and accelerates climate deterioration, and
WHEREAS, the state of Washington officially recognizes the negative economic, public health, and environmental impacts of climate change on this state, in both chapter 80.80 RCW and Executive Order No. 0905, and
WHEREAS, because of these environmental and health risks, Washington state is taking steps toward reducing American dependence on coal-fired power, including the 2011 passage of the TransAlta Energy Transition Bill, Chapter 180, Laws of Washington 2011, making possible the retirement of the state's last coal-fired power plant by 2025, and
WHEREAS, there are currently proposals to significantly expand the production of coal on federal lands in the Powder River basin, straddling Wyoming and Montana, for export to Asian economies and
WHEREAS, the federal government has not done a comprehensive review of the environmental impact of proposed coal leases of federal lands or analysis of the fair market value the federal government should receive from coal extraction on federal lands, and
WHEREAS, the economic viability of expanded coal production in the Powder River basin largely depends on the export of coal by rail through the Pacific Northwest, and
WHEREAS, there are currently three proposed coal export terminals in the Pacific Northwest of the United States: the Gateway Pacific terminal north of Bellingham, Washington; the Millennium Bulk Terminals in Longview, Washington; and the Morrow Pacific Terminal in B...

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