We may have some of the strongest climate targets and policies in the country, but that doesn’t offer much comfort to Californians who live along railroads that are transporting coal and crude oil. A new report by Communities for a Better Environment and ForestEthics show that 80% of the people who live closest to the rail routes in California are low-income, racial minority, or non-English speaking households – who can least afford additional health risks. We don’t want these polluting fossil fuels to be burned in California, or anywhere. We can draw a line that says the risks of explosion and air pollution from transporting coal and oil by rail are too high, and slow or stop this harmful industry on several fronts.
In Oakland, a rally to prevent plans to move coal through the port in West Oakland is being organized for Tuesday, July 21st. Turn out to support clean air for West Oakland residents, who have long suffered higher rates of asthma, cancer and other health conditions related to poor air quality. Coal dust is linked to decreased lung capacity, increased childhood bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, and heart disease. For communities along the I-80 corridor, adding more toxic particulate matter to the air would mean more trips to the hospital, more kids with asthma, and shorter lifespans for too many people. Come out!
What: Rally for a coal-free Oakland. Join us to help stop a dirty coal-export project in West Oakland!
RALLY in front of Oakland’s City Hall, then join us as we speak out at the 5:30 pm City Council meeting to demand a coal-free Oakland.
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address: 1 Frank H Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612
RSVP: Click here
Volunteer: Email coalfreeoakland@gmail.com.
