Spokane joins Seattle in questioning coal trains

SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane City Council has unanimously approved a resolution requesting further study of the effects of coal trains moving through the city.

In May, the Seattle City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing the development of coal-export terminals in Washington state over concerns about increased train traffic and potential harm to health and the environment.

The Spokane resolution requests that the potential impacts of the trains to Spokane's public health, safety, economy, traffic, and air quality be included as a part of the project's Environmental Impact Study. It also seeks a hearing in Spokane for any project that may cause significant increases in rail traffic in the city.

Spokane County is a major rail crossroads and would be the entry point for all coal coming into Washington from Montana and Wyoming.