On Tuesday, December 3 the Richmond City Council will vote on the Richmond Coal Ordinance, a land-use measure that would phase out coal and petroleum coke (pet coke) handling and storage at the Levin-Richmond Terminal.
We expect many people to show up in opposition, so plan to arrive early. In July, faced with a rowdy show of force from out-of-town building trades members, the Richmond Planning Commission voted to delay approval of the ordinance. This time we need to show the council that the Richmond community supports passing the ordinance without delay and helping the terminal transition to other bulk commodities that won’t endanger the health of residents and workers.
No Coal in Richmond has collected more than 2,200 signatures on a letter to the City Council urging them to pass the ordinance. Richmond already suffers from the areas’s highest levels of asthma and other health problems caused by bad air quality. The terminal is one of only two West Coast ports that ship coal overseas, and it’s located just blocks from homes, schools, businesses and parks.
Richmond residents, business owners, workers, and health professionals are encouraged to come testify about health impacts, visible dust, lost business, and other concerns. Be sure to mention past or present union membership.
To make the point that this issue affects children most of all, many of us will be bringing our kids. There are half a dozen schools that serve nearly 1,500 schoolchildren located within a mile of the terminal.
For talking points or other guidance, and to help us coordinate testimony, please email action@sunflower-alliance.org and put “City Council testimony” in the subject line.
—> Visit the No Coal in Richmond website for updates, talking points, letters of support, and ways to help.
NO COAL AT THE COUNCIL!
Tuesday, December 3, 5:30 PM
(Doors open at 6, meeting starts at 6:30; get there early to get a seat! Wear red, or get a t-shirt in the parking lot before the meeting )
WHERE
440 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond