April Thomas, april.thomas@sierraclub.org, 206.321.3850
Oakland, Calif., --- Today, Judge Vince Chhabria heard arguments for summary judgment on Oakland’s ordinance that bans the storage and handling of dirty coal. He did not indicate a ruling on motions for summary judgment based on preemption or commerce clause arguments, but did order that trial begin on Tuesday, January 16th to address whether the City’s decision to adopt the Ordinance is consistent with the contract between the City of Oakland and developers of the Oakland Bulk and Oversized Terminal.
In response, Luis Amezcua, Executive Committee Member with the Sierra Club Bay Chapter issued the following statement:
“This dangerous coal terminal scheme could cost Oakland up to $1.3 billion in air quality-related health costs each year, and this lawsuit is costing the people of Oakland every day that Tagami pursues it. We look forward to a resolution that will protect the health of the people of West Oakland, and get us back to focusing on the Oakland Army Base and its promised job creation and economic development.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.