April Thomas, april.thomas@sierraclub.org, 206.321.3850
Oakland, Calif. --- Yesterday, developer Phil Tagami again filed suit against the City of Oakland over the Oakland coal export terminal.
In response, Luis Amezcua, Senior Campaign Representative for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign, issued the following statement:
“Phil Tagami should be ashamed of himself for trying to bully the people of Oakland. The City is currently grappling with an unprecedented housing and homelessness crisis that was called the worst in the country by a representative of the United Nations. Oakland is also under attack by a White House hostile to protecting vulnerable, immigrant families, and facing a heavy litigation burden to defend them. Given that Phil Tagami has been a resident of Oakland and member of this community for decades, it’s unfortunate to see him attack the City during this moment of crisis. Tagami seems to be prioritizing his own profit over the public health and welfare of the Oakland community.
“We will continue to support the City of Oakland in its efforts to uphold the will of the people and protect public health from dangerous, dirty coal dust. Phil Tagami has already experienced tremendous backlash from Oakland communities for his irresponsible attacks on Oakland’s clean air and fiscal stability. He should consider what kind of a legacy he wants to leave in Oakland.”
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.