Speaking regarding the coal train controversy, a representative for the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce profoundly stated on the radio Saturday that Bellingham must create an "environment of opportunity."

He has a lot of nerve using the word "environment" in any context involving coal train expansion. He recommends that Bellingham citizens should not act hastily in rejecting the trains. Instead, he recommends that discussion and planning should proceed while the environmental impact is tested.

Perhaps he is blissfully unaware that damage to the environment from burning fossil fuels is beyond dispute.

What exactly does he think further studies are going to reveal? Investments in coal exportation through Bellingham will provide returns to Bellingham in the form of acid rain and global warming.

I believe delaying rejection in favor of additional studies will serve no purpose other than allowing the camel's nose to get further into Bellingham's tent. He seems fixated on the notion that job growth in Bellingham will only come from turning Bellingham into the world portal to environmental disaster.

If he is serious about job creation, he should be visiting California businesses that want relief from taxes and regulations. Bellingham is a beautiful, peaceful college town that would be very attractive to California businesses. Why would he want to turn it into Youngstown, Ohio?

Paul Graf

Bellingham