Coal Export: New Poll, WA Scoping Hearings, " (Photo: Daniel Dancer) A new poll commissioned by the Power Past Coal Coalition (of which Friends is a member) shows a majority of voters in both Washington (51%) and Oregon (54%) oppose the proposed plans to export coal from Northwest ports, with a majority of moderates and liberals and a large numb er of independent voters voicing opposition. This continuing shift in opinion comes as coal export opponents begin organizing to make their voices heard at a series of public "scoping" hearings in Washington State about the proposed 44 million-ton coal export terminal in Longview. The terminal would be the largest coal export terminal in the United States, transporting toxic coal by rail through the Columbia Gorge in open coal cars and turning 75 acres of Columbia River waterfront into open piles of coal up to eight stories high. We need you to stand up for the Gorge and families living along the Columbia! The first meeting in Longview was held on Tuesday and was a huge success! Four more are scheduled: Spokane (Sept. 25), Pasco (Oct. 1), Vancouver (Oct. 9), and Tacoma (Oct. 17). Sign up to make a public comment, or just be there to make your presence felt!
