Item 5: Transport of Coal for Export through Eugene

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RESOLUTION NO. _____ A RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE THE TRANSPORT OF COAL FOR EXPORT THROUGH EUGENE. TheCity Council of the City of Eugene finds that: A. In October 2011, the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay (the “Port”) signed an exclusive negotiating agreement with an anonymous company interested in shipping coal from the Port. The proposal, called Project Mainstay, would build a new terminal and ship 6-10 million tons of coal per year. B. This coal would originate in Wyoming and Montana and would be shipped to Asia. The Port of Coos Bay indicated that as many as 10 trains with 120 to 135 cars that are 1.5 miles long could pass through Eugene per week. At 10 to 15 mile per hour these trains could block intersections in Eugene for 5 minutes. This would increase traffic and the risk of delaying emergency vehicles at rail crossings. C. According to findings from the Environmental Protection Agency and research in other communities; there are likely to be significant negative impacts to Eugene’s public health, economy, and air and water quality. D. These mile and half long trains which typically carrying 100 tons of coal; can lose up to 3% of their load in transit in coal dust. The train cars are not likely to be covered due to danger of fires, and nor are they likely to be sealed with a surfactant to prevent the coal dust loss en route because of the additional cost of applying the surfactant. E. This coal dust will have a negative impact on local businesses, farms, homes and crops. Property values along coal transport routes have also been shown to decline. As well, local food production is likely to sustain adverse impacts which are counter to our community’s desire to increase local healthy food production. F. Coal dust contains toxic heavy metals, including mercury, arsenic, and lead; all known to have serious adverse health impacts on people of all ages, particularly children. These heavy metals, as well as emissions from the diesel-powered engines, are linked to increases in cancer, bronchitis, emphysema, black lung disease and birth defects. The train tracks through Eugene go directly through neighborhoods with populations that already face adverse health impacts. G. Mercury and other toxic air pollutants produced from burning the coal in Asian nations have been shown to adversely impact the Northwest’s air, water, fish, and wildlife. H. Exporting to, and burning coal in, Asia for electricity production will increase greenhouse gases (GHG) and hasten the adverse effects of global warming. Exporting coal to Asia will extend the period of time that Asian nations are reliant on coal, resulting in greater Resolution - Page 1 of 3 10/22/12 Council Action