Coal export on the Columbia River is over. Yesterday, the Washington Department of Ecology denied a key permit for Millennium’s coal export terminal. Without a permit to pollute the Columbia River, Millennium’s coal export terminal is toast.
You. Are. Powerful. A few months ago, Ecology asked for public comment on Millennium’s Water Quality Certification and you responded in droves. Comments opposing coal export poured in and smashed Ecology’s comment record. Your voice was heard. The permit to pollute was denied.
Are you ready to celebrate? Share the good news now! Here are the links to Facebook and Twitter posts celebrating this victory. If you’re near an envelope and stamp, please write a personal thank you note to Washington Department of Ecology Director Maia Bellon. Mail your thank you letter to PO Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600.
For seven years, you’ve held the line to protect clean air and water, and to defend the climate. This victory is the result of countless hearings, rallies, public comments, letters to the editor, phone banks, and more. Each of these acts built a mountain of support that made today’s victory possible. Thank you.
Read more about this huge victory on the Power Past Coal and Department of Ecology websites.
Of course Millennium can appeal, but the people of the Pacific Northwest and Washington state have made it abundantly clear there is no place for coal on the Columbia River. Let’s stay vigilant until Millennium officially throws in the towel.
Like an awards ceremony speech, the music will run me off the stage if I try to thank everyone who made this victory possible. Today’s victory reflects hard work from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond to convince government officials that coal would harm our health, climate and Columbia River. Many different tribes stood up to Big Coal, including powerful work by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Yakama Nation, Nez Perce, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
I also want to recognize the incredible legal work of our partners at Earthjustice. From elected officials to health professionals to faith leaders, you stood arm-and-arm and held the line on one of the most polluting industries to threaten the Northwest in recent history. Thank you.
Stay tuned for a victory party near you!
Author Bio
Beth Doglio is a former State Representative, community organizer, climate justice leader, and mother of two.
Serving in the Legislature from 2017 - 2021, Beth was one of Washington’s foremost leaders on clean energy and climate, housing and issues facing working families. She helped lead the passage of groundbreaking legislation to empower workers through higher wages and improved protections; to make Washington a leader in the fight against climate change; and to provide more resources to address homelessness.
As Vice Chair of the Capital Budget committee, she helped secure millions in funding for infrastructure projects, land preservation and recreation, housing, and clean energy. She also served on Transportation, Energy and Environment, Labor and Workforce Standards and the Technology and Economic Development Committees.
She is currently serving as the Vice-Chair of Quixote Communities, a non-profit providing housing units with a focus on Veterans and is a current member and co-founder of Win With Women, dedicated to electing progressive women to the state legislature. She is the Board Chair of the PARC (Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture) Foundation and a board member of her local YMCA.
After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Political Science and Telecommunications, Beth moved to Washington state in 1987.
Beth’s environmental leadership in our state began three decades ago as the founding Executive Director of Washington Conservation Voters (WCV). Under Beth’s leadership, WCV became one of the state’s most prominent environmental organizations: developing 12 chapters, creating a robust voter education program, and playing a key role in shaping policy to protect Washington’s natural resources and environment.
Following her time at WCV, Beth worked in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, including at the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) and Audubon Washington, where she continued to fight for progressive, environmental, and community priorities.
Beth was a staff member at Climate Solutions from 2007-2020 working to pass federal, state and local climate policy and serving as the director of the Power Past Coal campaign. She currently serves as a consultant primarily on housing and climate issues. She enjoys backpacking, mountain biking, yoga, canoeing, and good food and laughter.
