Debate Over Coal Exports in Pacific NW Leaves Some Out, Critics Charge

"PASCO, Wash. -- While proposals to turn green-leaning Washington state into a major exporter of coal to China have caused an uproar in coastal communities, the heated debate is largely absent from other places along the industry's expected trade route to Asia."



"The state and federal agencies that are conducting an environmental review of five proposed coal-export terminals in the region aren't planning to give residents of one of Washington state's major population centers a chance to comment on the project publicly, even as such meetings take place in similar-sized or smaller communities elsewhere.

As a result, officials and residents in south central Washington aren't exactly sure what they stand to gain or lose."

Curtis Tate and Kristi Pihl report for McClatchy Newspapers December 5, 2012.
 

Source: McClatchy, 12/06/2012