Cowlitz County commissioners unanimously approved permits for a new terminal to export coal to Asia.
Cowlitz County commissioners unanimously approved permits for a new terminal to export 5.7 million tons of coal to Asia annually.
The rapid growth of China’s economy is driving demand, while the coal mines of the Rockies provide the supply.
But green groups are unlikely to accept the terminal without a fight.
Environmental groups question opening up West Coast coal exports at the same time Oregon and Washington are cutting down on coal-fired power generation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
They also cite potential local problems from coal dust, and argue that the 416-acre Chinook Ventures site, a former aluminum smelter, would be better used for a job-rich factory than an export terminal.
But the county commission voted 3-0 to approve two shoreline development permits that authorize Millennium’s planned improvements, including dock repairs, dust control equipment and a 525,000-square-foot stockpile area to store about 300,000 metric tons of coal.
Read more at OregonLive.com.
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