In a bold move earlier this year, the City of Richmond voted to phase out coal storage and handling within city limits. This is significant progress in the fight to protect the health of Bay Area residents and to end dirty coal pollution in San Francisco Bay. Coal is toxic—both for people and wildlife. It contains arsenic, mercury, and other harmful pollutants. According to the Clean Air Task Force, exposure to coal pollution prematurely kills 13,000 people each year in the US alone. And burning coal for fuel is a major driver of the climate crisis. The Richmond City Council's action took courage. The dirty coal industry tried to intimidate the city into abandoning the ordinance, and it’s already begun a legal attack on Richmond's ban. Baykeeper is going to stand by Richmond whatever comes next. Cities need to be free to make decisions that benefit the health and wellbeing of their residents. Please let Richmond's city council know you're on their side, too. Your Message * Dear City of Richmond: I’m writing to thank you for taking a significant step to protect the health of San Francisco Bay and the people who live and work in the Bay Area. Coal pollution harms fish and birds, hurts public health in our communities, and is one of the most significant contributors to the world’s climate crisis. The Richmond City Council's decision to ban coal storage and handling within city limits is a victory for the Bay and public health and a milestone in addressing climate change. It also sets an important precedent for other coastal cities around the nation to follow. However, I know that the dirty coal industry is doing everything in its power to challenge your decision. That’s why I’ll be watching what happens in Richmond and will support your efforts to uphold the coal ban in the face of opposition from special interests. Your decision made a difference – please know that people around the Bay Area appreciate your courage and support you standing strong to protect our health and the health of the Bay. Thank you. First Name * Last Name * City * State * Email Address * Sign me up for Baykeeper's enewsletter * Yes No Leave this field blank
