Bellingham residents enjoy Boulevard Park, which is sandwiched between the train tracks and Bellingham Bay.
credit:
Ashley Ahearn
These rails already carry coal trains through Bellingham and on to an export terminal in British Columbia. Coal traffic would increase if a terminal is built in nearby Cherry Point on Puget Sound.
credit:
Brett Beadie for NPR
The sight of the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal, north of Bellingham Washington.
credit:
Ashley Ahearn
Senator Kevin Ranker represents the San Juan Islands. He says his constituents are concerned about the increased risk of an oil spill if hundreds of coal ships travel through these waters en route to the proposed terminal at Cherry Point.
credit:
Ashley Ahearn
Just across the border near Vancouver lies the Westshore terminal. Canada is looking to expand coal export capacity.
credit:
Ashley Ahearn
Around Bellingham you'll see signs both in support and in opposition to the Gateway Pacific Terminal.