The Trump administration’s announcement of $75 million in federal funding to build a massive coal export terminal at the foot of the Bay Bridge in West Oakland has re-ignited one of the most important environmental justice fights in our region. If built, the terminal would send two mile-long coal trains per day through the rail corridors of Martinez, Richmond, Berkeley, Emeryville, and West Oakland — exposing our most vulnerable neighbors to coal dust and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) linked to asthma, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and premature death. There is no safe level of exposure. The communities along this route are disproportionately Black, Brown, and low-income — communities our faith tradition calls us to stand with, not sacrifice. We stood together to win a unanimous Oakland City Council vote against coal in 2016, and we are being called to stand together again.Here is what your congregation can do right now:
First and most urgently, sign the Bay Area Air District (BAAD) open letter urging the strongest possible regulations on coal dust and permitting. Both individuals and organizations can sign — please add your name and your congregation’s name today:
Second, stay informed and spread the word. Sign up for updates and action alerts at nocoalinoakland.info/action, share on social media, and encourage every member of your congregation to take action. Sign-on opportunities for AB 40 and the Make Polluters Pay / Climate Superfund effort are coming soon — watch this space.
Third, yard signs are coming — a new “No Coal in East Bay” graphic is in development. When it’s ready, we’ll share how to request one for your church, your members’ yards, and the neighborhoods along the rail corridor.
Together, we are building a movement rooted in faith, science, and justice — one that says clearly: not in our communities, not on our watch.
For more information or to get involved with the Interfaith Faith Working Group coordinating this campaign across the East Bay, contact Rev. Laurie Manning, Pastor of Skyline Community Church UCC and NCNC Conference Climate Justice Co-Representative: revlauriemanning@gmail.com | 510-421-2646, or Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough: 510-579-1298.
