As of late, the state of Washington and Clark County have been extremely concerned with climate change, pollution, and greenhouse gas. The government keeps attempting to ban/decrease use of natural gas appliances. The Washington Department of Ecology implemented a law that the Olympia environmentalists have passed, which increased the residential natural gas rates, as of Jan. 1, by 11.9 percent to 38.2 percent.
Yet, when it comes to environmental pollution, noise pollution, and light pollution that affects us now or may in the very near future, the county seems complacent. For the last few decades, Clark County has approved many residential housing developments. Now, all of a sudden, there is a push for a railroad, which would negatively impact the livability of thousands of households.
Living next to a railroad poses various health risks. Noise pollution from passing trains disrupts sleep. Additionally, there’s a potential for accidents, especially if there are lax safety measures. Derailments and/or hazardous spills pose serious health risks and environmental hazards. Proximity to railroad crossings may also increase the risk of traffic accidents. Overall, living near a railroad involves both physical and mental health concerns. We do not need nor do we want a railroad in our backyards.
