Our full story is available here.
Oregon's Department of State Lands on Monday dealt a serious blow to Ambre Energy's proposed coal export project, denying a key permit needed for construction in the Columbia River.
The state agency, which inadvertently posted the news in a fact sheet online, hasn't formally announced yet why it denied the permit for the project that could send 8.8 million tons of coal annually to Asia.
The permit would've allowed Australia-based Ambre Energy to construct a dock in the Columbia River.
The terminal would create a key link for Western coal producers anxious to find new outlets for coal that is no longer wanted in the United States.
Coal terminal opponents had pinned their hopes on the department's decision and celebrated it.
"Oregonians today should be proud that our state stood up to protect salmon, fishing, and clean water over dirty coal," said Brett VandenHeuvel, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, an environmental group.
Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber in April urged its rejection, criticizing not only the project's climate change impacts but also its effects on protected tribal fishing areas and recreation on the Columbia River.
"We disagree with this decision," Ambre spokeswoman Liz Fuller said. "We are evaluating our next steps and considering the full range of legal and permitting options."
We'll have more soon.
Our updated story is available here.
-- Rob Davis