Vancouver, April 24, 2013 — In letters sent April 17 and 19, Opposition Energy and Natural Resources Critic Peter Julian (Burnaby-New Westminster) has called on Port Metro Vancouver and Federal Transport Minister Denis Lebel to halt approval of Neptune Terminals and Fraser Surrey Docks coal export expansion plans and put both proposals before full public hearings. MP Fin Donnelly (New Westminster-Coquitlam & Port Moody) has supported this call for public hearings on these controversial proposals.
Voters Taking Action on Climate Change also supports Mr Julian's call for full public hearings. Coal export plans currently under consideration by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority will make Metro Vancouver the largest exporter of coal in North America. These plans, if approved, would increase the risk of runaway climate change and would expose regional residents to coal dust, diesel exhaust and increased train traffic. It is only reasonable that regional residents have a say in decisions with such significant regional and global implications.
Yesterday, the Port Authority announced that it will hold two open houses in May on the proposal to build an entirely new coal terminal at Fraser Surrey Docks for the export of US coal brought into our region by rail through White Rock, Delta and Surrey.
"It is encouraging that the Port Authority has finally acknowledged public frustration over the lack of consultation on this proposal, but open houses represent a woefully inadequate response to this frustration," said Kevin Washbrook, director with Voters Taking Action on Climate Change. "Open houses are more of an exercise in public relations than an effort at real public consultation, and they do not in anyway replace full public hearings as a process for including the public in decision making."
At a minimum, public hearings on these coal export proposals should include an opportunity for regional residents to present testimony and to challenge decision makers. They should include evidence from expert witnesses on the health and climate change implications of expanded coal exports. All proceedings should be recorded so that the public can compare input provided to the hearings with the resulting decisions made by the Port Authority.
–30–
For more information:
Kevin Washbrook
Director, Voters Taking Action on Climate Change