Record Opposition to Coal Export

Almost 300,000 Washingtonians live within a half mile of the rail lines that would carry 145 million tons of coal through the Northwest each year. These communities are natural audiences to target for outreach. However, Washington’s environmental base is not necessarily located in many of the communities along the rail lines. Using modeling tools, WEC identified and engaged people likely to care about coal export and the impact of coal trains on their lives. Voter Education Program tools helped drive people to scoping hearings for the Cherry Point proposal. Turn-out was amazing – 10,000 people attended hearings across the Northwest, most in opposition to the proposals. In addition, more than 120,000 comments were submitted to the state about the proposed Cherry Point export facility, a record.