The Coal Hard Truth Forum

Join community members at the Coal Hard Truth Forum and learn about the campaign to protect Bellingham and communities across Washington from the dirty and dangerous coal industry.

When: Wednesday, May 4th at 7:00 pm

Where: Bellingham Public Library (210 Central Avenue, Bellingham).

Who: Dan Pike, Mayor of Bellingham; Jean Melious, former Whatcom County Planning Commissioner; Robin Everett, Sierra Club; Matt Krogh, ReSources

Learn about:

• The regional picture of coal use and the health impacts of coal

• What the Cherry Point terminal proposal will mean for Bellingham, for the State of Washington and for the global community.

• Explore better alternatives and what you can do to make Washington Coal-Free!

For more information contact Llyn Doremus at llynadele@yahoo.com
Robin Everett at 206-378-0114 x308 or robin.everett@sierraclub.org

Proposed mega coal terminal debated at City Club

Yesterday, April27th, SSA Marine and ReSources for Sustainble Communities debated the contentious proposal to construct a mega coal export terminal in the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve north of Bellingham. Surfrider Foundation Northwest Straits Chapter was there among an audience of 400. Bad on climate, water quality, and access to the coast, the project is strongly opposed by the local chapter and community members of Bellingham.

Read more about the first public debate on the Cherry Point mega coal terminal:
Crosscut, Bellingham's first debate on coal-for-China project reflects growing tensions
Seattle P-I, Shipping coal to China: A big export terminal north of Bellingham?

Governor Gregoire signs bill to improve oil spill response programs

Today, on the one-year anniversary of the Gulf Oil Spill, Governor Gregoire will sign into law House Bill 1186 to strengthen Washington oil spill preparedness programs.

The Gulf spill was a sad reminder that these catastrophic events happen and that it is essential to be prepared, especially in Washington State where over 4000 vessels transport oil in and out of Puget Sound and along our coast every year.

HB 1186 will expand state programs to train volunteers, require regular oil spill drills and equip commercial fisherman to be first responders so that we are prepared in the event of a major oil spill. The bill also tasks the state Department of Ecology to improve requirements on oil tankers and other vessels traveling through state waters to stockpile state-of-the-art oil spill response equipment.

Huge thanks to Surfrider chapters and activists who generated letters, emails and phone calls to the legislator. And to People for Puget Sound who lead this initiative and have been a longtime champion on oil spill policies for Washington. This bill never would have moved without champions in the legislator – Rep. Christine Rolfes (Bainbridge Island), Rep. Zack Hudgins (Tukwila) and Sen Kevin Ranker (San Juan).

"Bag It" Playing In Bellingham

Bag It Bellingham, a local effort to reduce single-use bags, are proud to present a Premiere Community-Wide Screening of award winning film, "Bag It" tonight on the PAC Main stage from 7-9 pm. Please visit our Surfrider table there!

Check out the event on faceboook.

WWU Performing Arts Center
Friday, April 1, 7-9pm doors open 6:30 pm.
Reserved Pay lot parking in 14G and 11G available
$7 for Adults, $3 for Students, Seniors, Kids

Find us on facebook at: www.facebook.com/bagitbellingham
Read updates at: www.bagitbellingham.blogspot.com