Statement of LeeAnne Beres, Executive Director of Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power & Light, on the challenge to the Longview Coal Export Terminal Permit

The health of our neighbors – both here in Washington and around the globe in China – got a second chance today in the form of an appeal challenging a permit to build a coal export terminal in Longview, Washington. Washington’s religious community supports the appeal to the Shoreline Hearings Board filed by a coalition of environmental organizations, and calls on the Board to revoke the permit.

The coal export terminal permit originally was granted by Cowlitz County commissioners. Today’s appeal focuses on the Commission’s failure to fully consider the consequences of mining, transporting, and burning the coal slated to come through the terminal. Local religious leaders spoke out against the terminal at a public hearing on November 16, but their concerns were ignored.

Coal-fired power production runs counter to deeply held religious values of stewardship, justice, and caring for the common good. Coal dust from the 5 million tons of coal transported by train to the export terminal through Washington communities will poison our air and water, and worsen our children’s asthma.

Once the coal leaves our shores, it’s not out of sight, out of mind. US coal burned in China will drastically contribute to global climate change, which has significant impacts on the poor and marginalized around the world. Burning coal also releases cancer-causing pollutants, toxic mercury, and particulates that cause heart and lung disease. If we allow our dirty coal to be burned overseas, we will have truly failed to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Closing our eyes to the dangers posed by the Longview coal export terminal is irresponsible and immoral. We should instead focus on exporting the best that our country has to offer: clean energy technology, American-made products, and our compassion for our neighbors around the globe.

Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power & Light is a non-profit organization committed to engaging the religious community in environmental stewardship. We work in partnership with individuals and congregations to respond to this great moral challenge through education, individual and congregational lifestyle choices, and organizing for social change through environmental advocacy.