For over 30 years I worked as a locomotive engineer for the Sante Fe Railway. During this time I serviced the Kaiser Steel Mill in California with coal from York Cannon. I personally transported over 1 million tons of coal through the dry desert. All those years hauling coal I never experienced coal dust. These statements that coal dust will all of a sudden be a health risk due to the possibility of a few more coal trains is unfounded. What I believe to be these scare tactics by Sierra Club-funded groups of spreading false truths through our community is reminiscent of why I dropped my membership to their organization. This strategy of throwing inflammatory false truths in order to progress their political agenda is a far cry from the founder's intentions.

I moved to Whatcom County in 1979 because of all the wonders it has to offer and coal trains have always been a part of that experience. Now with improved technologies and environmental conscious practices, coal transportation by rail has never been safer. This is a great opportunity to bring employment to Whatcom County and improve our struggling economy. If nothing else; considered GPT an upgrade to the existing process.

Francis Post

Bellingham