Challenge to Washington State Coal Export Facility Permit

Earthjustice is representing a coalition of conservation and clean energy groups in challenging a state shoreline permit authorizing the construction of a coal export facility in Longview, Washington, that will export millions of tons of coal overseas. The Longview coal export project, which will be the first of several proposed new coal terminals on the West Coast, would threaten public health and runs counter to state efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

The coalition’s appeal, filed with Washington State’s Shorelines Hearings Board, charges that officials sidestepped all scientific review and pushed through approval of the severely deficient permit. The groups seek to have the Shoreline Hearing Board invalidate the permit and require the county to complete all the required analyses.