Have you told the BC Government to step up?
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- Published on Thursday, 10 April 2014 17:20
- Written by editor
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Have you told the BC Government to step up?
Hi PAOV,
The campaign to stop U.S. coal in Surrey is at a critical juncture.
As you know, Port Metro Vancouver is currently considering a new coal terminal in Surrey, which would handle thermal coal – the dirtiest type of coal – from the United States. When fully operational, the proposed Fraser Surrey Docks (FSD) Coal Transfer Facility would handle up to eight million tonnes of coal, and ship it to Texada Island on uncovered barges where it would be transferred onto bigger ships heading overseas.
Overall, this plan would contribute around 17 million tonnes of climate-changing carbon emissions to the atmosphere.
Municipal representatives and regional health officials in BC’s Lower Mainland have been very clear on this issue: they demand a comprehensive Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of these coal shipments, and they want a seat at the table when the assessment is designed. However, the Port has confirmed that the assessment will be conducted by SNC Lavalin – the controversial firm that also conducted the project’s earlier environmental impact assessment. They’ve also remained silent on what this health assessment will entail.
SNC Lavalin is a giant engineering company that has been reprimanded by the World Bank for its corrupt business practices. A real health test would involve health officers, and would cover the impact that climate change will have on our health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified climate change as a serious threat to global health.
Our provincial government is the body that should truly determine whether or not health assessments like these take place. And so far, they too have remained silent.
Right now, we really need you to tell the BC government that it’s time to stand up for our health – and the climate. We have an awesome action tool on our Save the Salish Sea website, which is designed to get the message across to our provincial leaders: take climate leadership seriously!
There’s still time to put a stop to this climate-changing coal export proposal – please take action today.
Thank you!
Eoin Madden | Climate Campaigner
Wilderness Committee
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Please encourage your friends to sign up for these Climate Action Alerts.
Or sign up for our other e-alerts: Wilderness Committee E-alerts | BC’s Wild Rivers
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