Together, we can win. In a precedent setting decision, a state judge overturned a permit for the RAM coal export terminal. The proposed RAM coal export terminal in Plaquemines Parish would interfere with one of Louisiana’s major coastal restoration projects (the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion) and start mile-long, uncovered coal trains running through Gretna, Belle Chasse and the West Bank. This victory stops the RAM coal export terminal in its tracks. People for the coast prevailed – what a great way to start the year!GRN and Sierra Club, with our partners in the Clean Gulf Commerce Coalition and community leaders, led a robust grassroots campaign that fought this proposed terminal.Thank you for signing petitions, putting up yard signs, speaking to elected officials, participating in meetings, recruiting friends, family and neighbors, spreading the word, and donating to support the monitoring and organizing it takes to keep move this forward. Your engagement and leadership made this happen. Laurie Ledet (foreground) and other residents call on Gretna City Council to choose coast over coal. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Dubinsky/LEAN.It’s been inspiring to work with so many community leaders in Jefferson and Plaquemines Parish who have led the charge to protect our coast and our communities. From Westwego, Gretna and Jefferson Parish passing unanimous resolutions about RAM to folks in the communities of Ironton, Myrtle Grove and Wood Park working to spread the word about what kind of neighbors coal export terminals actually are, it all added up to a strong coalition for putting coast and community first. This court decision stops RAM for now and brings new momentum and resolve to our work in 2015 to compel state leaders to choose coast over coal once and for all. Mark your calendars for Jan. 21st and join us in Baton Rouge at the first Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) meeting of the year. Here is a link to Judge Connor’s full decision, and here’s a brief media roundup:Times-Picayune: ‘Plaquemines judge strikes state permit to RAM coal export terminal’AP: ‘Judge: Too little research on coal terminal permit’WDSU: ‘Plaquemines Parish District Court overturns permit for proposed coal terminal’Our press release: ” Plaquemines Parish Court Overturns Coastal Permit for Coal Terminal’Grace Morris is GRN’s Senior Organizer.
