Form revised: July 12, 2011
FISCAL NOTE FOR NON-CAPITAL PROJECTS
Department: |
Contact Person/Phone: |
CBO Analyst/Phone: |
Legislative |
Meg Moorehead 684-8929 |
|
Legislation
Title: A RESOLUTION stating The City of Seattle’s opposition to transporting
coal across Washington State and through Seattle due to negative health
impacts and negative impacts to the Earth’s climate. |
Summary
of the Legislation:
A proposal has been made to
transport coal by rail from Montana and Wyoming through Washington State
(including Seattle) to Cherry Point North of Bellingham for shipping to Asia.
This resolution expresses the City of Seattle’s concerns about coal trains and
opposition to coal export terminals in Washington State. It also states that to
the extent possible Seattle will use its local regulatory authority to mitigate
coal train impacts in the city. And, the resolution requests that the railroad
work with the City on any plans for new rail facilities or train traffic
increases, outreach to local citizens and officials, mitigation of safety
hazards, road improvements needed to accommodate increased rail traffic and
monitoring of rail car loading practices.
Background:
A
proposal has been made to transport coal by rail from Montana and Wyoming
through Washington State (including Seattle) to Cherry Point North of
Bellingham for shipping to Asia. The proposal would substantially increase coal
train traffic through Seattle with potential impacts to public health and
safety, road traffic, property and the environment. American coal sold in Asia also
would support continued use of coal-fired power plants that contribute to
greenhouse gases and global climate change. This resolution expresses Seattle’s
concerns about coal trains, opposition to coal export terminals in Washington
State, and the City’s intent to use its local regulatory authority to address
impacts if the coal transport proposal goes forward.
Please
check one of the following:
__X__ This legislation does not have any
financial implications.
No additional City government
appropriations or revenues are anticipated from this resolution at this time.
If the coal train traffic ultimately increases as proposed, fees for City
permits and approvals would be collected to cover any related City regulatory
expenses. The railroad company would be requested to fund any needed road
crossing improvements.