John Kitzhaber bravely stood up against three proposed coal terminals in Oregon that would have had disastrous environmental and economic impacts on our state. Not a single member of the Oregon legislature, not one, was willing to introduce a bill that would have allowed Oregonians to speak out. Not a single member of the Oregon congressional delegation had the courage to stand with governor John Kitzhaber when he unequivocally said, “NO” to coal. Shame on all of them.

By emphatically opposing enormous shipments of coal through Oregon and especially through the Columbia River Gorge, Governor John Kitzhaber made a BIG difference to the quality of life in Oregon and we all owe him a debt of gratitude.


Richard Ellmyer

Chair, North Portland Coal Committee