AROUND THE STATE
Powering Past Coal in North Idaho Coal trains are notorious for shedding coal dust—as much as 500 pounds per car for an average 400mile trip.
Power plants are closing across the United States, and as our country turns to cleaner energy options, coal companies are seeking new markets overseas. Looking to sell coal to Asia, the coal companies mining the Powder River Basin of Montana and Wyoming propose to construct three coal export terminals in Washington and Oregon. If these terminals are built, 45 to 60 coal trains a day could rumble through North Idaho communities like Hope, Sandpoint
Coal train / Sandy Compton
and Rathdrum to transport more than 100 million metric tons of coal a year to the coast. Coal trains are notorious for shedding coal dust—as much as 500 pounds per car for an average 400-mile trip. This dust creates maintenance problems for the tracks and health problems for people living alongside them. Meanwhile, doubling rail traffic along the “funnel” between Sandpoint and Spokane will cause long delays at crossings, and local taxpayers will foot the bill for crossing improvements and emergency response. Ultimately, the coal that’s burned overseas will affect our climate, air and water quality. That’s why ICL has joined the Power Past Coal coalition. We’re asking our elected officials to insist that impacts of these coal trains on Idaho communities be considered before the coal export terminals are permitted. You can help by signing our petition (www. idahoconservation.org/powerpastcoal).
Susan Drumheller North Idaho Associate sdrumheller@idahoconservation.org
8