B.C.'s Dirty Secret
Increasing coal exports through B.C. ports is a bad idea — it’s bad for our health and it’s bad for the climate.
So far the coal industry and its promoters at Port Metro Vancouver have flown under the radar and avoided scrutiny. It’s time to end that. Make your voice heard right now.
- Send your letter in 6 easy steps
- 1. Fill-in your contact information
- 2. Add a unique subject line
- 3. Customize your letter
- The more personal the better. The port has dismissed previous submissions as "form letters"
- 4. Don't add your signature
- We'll do that for you
- 5. Proof read your letter
- 6. Send your letter
Port Metro Vancouver is currently considering a proposal to expand the export of U.S.-mined coal to China from Vancouver by constructing an additional coal terminal at Surrey Fraser Docks. This would make our city the biggest exporter of coal in North America.
The port committee claims it has consulted the public, but we did a poll that showed 64 per cent of British Columbians have never even heard of proposals to increase coal shipments through our ports. The port’s mandate is to "operate with broad public support in the best interests of Canadians."
Do you think becoming North America’s biggest coal exporter is in the best interests of Canadians? The people at Port Metro Vancouver need to hear from you.
Why is becoming a massive coal exporter a bad idea? Well, first of all, burning coal has been identified as the single largest cause of global warming. As if that’s not bad enough, dispersal of diesel fumes and toxic coal dust from the coal trains en route to our ports has major negative health impacts for those living along the rail lines.
A comprehensive public consultation on increased coal shipments is currently happening in Washington State. Ask Port Metro Vancouver why they can’t do the same.
B.C.’s coal exports of U.S-mined coal have grown by more than 300 per cent in the past three years without any discussion with affected communities. It’s time to end that.
