A proposal that could make this city a gateway for Utah coal to be shipped overseas has become a political flash point and put pressure on Gov. Jerry Brown, a former mayor known for his warnings on climate change, to come out against the project.
But the idea of coal being shipped through Oakland has roiled politics in the city of about 414,000. Among those concerned is Mayor Libby Schaaf, a former aide to Mr. Brown when he was mayor. “We will not have coal shipped through our city,” Ms. Schaaf wrote to Mr. Tagami in an email that was made public.
Oakland’s City Council, which held a contentious hearing on the issue last month, is considering an ordinance to ban coal at the terminal. The Sierra Club argues coal dust has been linked to decreased lung capacity, childhood bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, emphysema and heart disease.
[NOTE: Members of ILWU Locals 6, 10 and 34 spoke against the export of coal — but in favor of exporting other cargoes at the terminal — at the meeting mentioned above.]
Derrick Muhammad, ILWU Local 10 Business Agent, speaking against coal before the Oakland City Council on Sept. 21, 2015.