Tagged: Fossil Fuels

A grounded oil drilling rig remains in stable shape off the coast of Alaska Wednesday. Shell Oil’s Kulluk ran aground on New Year’s Eve on an island in the Gulf of Alaska. The vessel hasn’t spilled any oil so far, according to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.

About 700 people gathered in Vancouver, Washington, Wednesday to comment on a coal export terminal that could be built near Bellingham.

The largest coal export facility on the West coast is proposed to be built near Bellingham, WA. Some people see it as an opportunity to create jobs. Others worry about the potential environmental impacts of dusty coal trains and climate change. It’s an issue that’s dividing communities around the Northwest.

EarthFix’s Ashley Ahearn went to Bellingham, Washington to visit one community at the center of the coal export debate.

The Department of Energy released a study today/ Wednesday that finds exporting natural gas would benefit the U.S. economy. That may clear the way for the feds to grant licenses to 15 proposed export terminals, including two in Oregon. Amelia Templeton of Earthfix reports.

The environmental review process for the largest coal export terminal on the West Coast is underway. Public meetings are being held around the state to get feedback from citizens. EarthFix’s Ashley Ahearn was at the most recent hearing in Ferndale, Washington, which took place Thursday night.