CUB Talks Regional Economics When It Comes to Coal Exports

Last week, Executive Director Bob Jenks represented CUB at Lewis & Clark Law School’s panel discussion, “Northwest Coal Exports: Making Cents of the Environmental Cost.” On the panel, Bob was joined by Brett VandenHeuvel, Executive Director of Columbia Riverkeeper, and Liz Fuller, representing Ambre Energy, the Australian company developing the proposed coal exports. The panel was moderated by Rob Smith, editor of Portland Business Journal. Smith asked tough questions of all the panelists, making for a successful and thoughtful discussion on the economics, long-term sustainability, and ethics of Northwest coal exports.

Having a representative from Ambre Energy gave the panel a well-rounded perspective on the issue. Although Ambre is behind other proposed projects, Ms. Fuller spoke exclusively about the proposed Morrow Pacific project. Like Bob, Ms. Fuller relied on economic analysis as she offered her support for the project which would create 1000 long-term jobs and generate $242 million in capital investment, according to Ambre’s estimates.

In contrast, Bob took a more regional stance and expressed CUB’s analysis that in the long run, coal exports would be costly for ratepayers in the Pacific Northwest, as selling American coal internationally will likely raise the price of coal domestically. Additionally, Bob noted the hundreds of millions of dollars that Oregonians have already invested in combating climate change through our investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. If the coal we do not burn is exported and burned elsewhere, it reduces the benefits of the investments that Oregon has made in greenhouse gas reductions overall.

The panel discussion was followed by a reception hosted by the law school. During the reception, numerous law students and community members expressed their appreciation for CUB’s unique perspective on this important issue.

Thanks to Lewis & Clark for hosting a thoughtful discussion on coal exports. If you agree with CUB and believe that coal exports are uneconomic for Oregon, please join us in our efforts. Become a CUB member for as little as $5, or sign up for our email newsletter to stay up to date on energy in the Pacific Northwest.

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