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PAUL K. ANDERSON
Protect Washington wetlands from big coal

Northwest communities have made incredible progress halting proposed coal export terminals here in our region, preserving an environment in which our communities can thrive. We need to keep the pressure on to halt the proposed Cherry Point and Longview coal terminals, and now we have a new pressure point.

Washington’s Department of Natural Resources is asking for public comment on its management of our state’s aquatic lands, including the sites of proposed coal terminals.

We can’t take any chances when it comes to defending our future from the destructive coal industry. Left to their own devices, their policy-influencing money will allow them to write their own rules. The proposed Cherry Point and Longview coal terminals threaten our way of life and the future of Washington. From accelerating climate change to disrupting the delicate marine ecosystems where they are proposed to operate, these proposals would do significant harm.

Unfortunately, DNR’s management plan doesn’t differentiate between a coal terminal and a boat ramp, and lacks action on key issues like climate change. That’s why we need to tell DNR that we expect better, and that we have their back when they stand up to the coal industry.

The plan, as it stands, does not do enough to protect our delicate marine resources for future Washingtonians. Please join us to tell DNR their proposed plan to manage our resources needs to be stronger.

 

Author Bio

Joëlle Robinson

Field Director, Climate Solutions

Joëlle engages community members and diverse constituencies—faith, health, youth, parents, business—to make their voices heard for climate solutions. She led the team of organizers to ensure we stopped any coal export from the U.S. West Coast over the past decade. On offense, she co-led the Field team to help pass the 100% Clean Electricity (Clean Energy Transition Act in 2019) and in 2022 collaborated with the Field team to ensure that all new buildings (commercial and residential) will be built with heat pumps per the State Building Code Council. She continues to conspire for good with them on many other local and state initiatives.

Joëlle was the Regional Outreach Coordinator of National Wildlife Federation where she focused on mobilizing hunters, anglers and concerned citizens around solutions to global warming. Previous work with Climate Solutions includes the NW Climate Connections partnership, serving as the Field Assistant for the successful Clean Cars campaign, and Field Director of the Renewable Fuel Standard, which passed in April 2006.

She previously served on the boards of Earth Ministry, Solar Washington, and Sierra Club Executive Committee. She’s currently President of the board of her 3 year-old!

Joëlle is Northwest born and raised who loves to hike, dance, travel and explore the natural world.

Her favorite quote is “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” —  Mary Oliver

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