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.