Opposition to Vancouver becoming the largest coal shipping port in North America
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson is quoted by the Globe and Mail as saying more consultation is necessary before the Port of Metro Vancouver can approve two new coal port expansions. The expansion would make Vancouver the largest coal exporting port in North America. Much of the coal, thermal coal would come from the U.S.
BC’s Dogwood Initiative says it had planned on launching a coal export campaign next year but because of expansion plans is starting up early.
Last May 12 protestors, including Dr. Mark Jaccard, one of Canada’s leading energy-environment economists, were arrested after setting up a blockade on train tracks in White Rock, aimed at stopping U.S. coal trains from reaching the ports.
Jaccard told media “…the current willingness of especially our federal government to brazenly take actions that ensure we cannot meet scientifically and economically sound greenhouse gas reduction targets for Canada and the planet leaves me with no alternative.”