The Spokane City Council has unanimously approved a resolution requesting further study of the effects of coal trains moving through the city.
The resolution requests that the potential impacts of the trains to Spokane’s public health, safety, economy, traffic and air quality be included as a part of the project’s Environmental Impact Study. It also seeks a hearing in Spokane for any project that may cause significant increases in rail traffic in the city.
Spokane County is a major rail crossroads and would be the entry point for all coal coming into Washington from Montana and Wyoming. There are six proposals to build coal export facilities in Washington and Oregon, including in Longview. None are proposed for Clark County. Final decisions on permits are months away.
