Critics of a proposal to increase thermal coal exports through Port Metro Vancouver by 7.5% — or between four and eight million tons annually – are questioning a recent report that ruled the project would have no significant environmental or health impact.
A controversial proposal to boost coal exports to Asia through the Lower Mainland has moved a step forward with a positive environmental review released Monday.
Newly released documents suggest Port Metro Vancouver, the federal regulator reviewing a plan to expand the region’s coal exports, donated to a coal industry lobby conference in September but attempted to hide its sponsorship.
At an anti-coal port protest Sunday, New Westminster city councillor Jaimie McEvoy, chair of the city’s environmental advisory committee, told the crowd that exporting coal would harm local health and “export health problems” overseas as well, and would continue facing municipal opposition.
Faced with mounting environmental pressure over the proposal to build a four- to eight-million ton coal transfer terminal at Fraser Surrey Docks (FSD), the regional port authority opened its annual meeting to public questions for the first time today.
New Democrat leader Adrian Dix tightened his criticisms of several controversial fossil fuel export proposals at a Kitsilano event on May 4, ramping up his opposition to Kinder Morgan’s pipeline expansion, but also calling for public hearings on a plan for a major coal terminal in Surrey.
As North American producers massively ramp up plans to export coal to Asia, B.C. figures large in their plans — and in opposition efforts of citizens worried about climate change.
The Tyee talks to Fraser Surrey Docks’ CEO about how his project to expand exports should interest BC.
Plans to ramp up exports from Washington, Oregon and BC are uniting opposition across 49th Parallel.
Expansion for Asia export puts BC in middle of climate, jobs fight in Washington state.
David P Ball 