Residents of South Surrey and Washington State are rallying against a proposed permit for a direct coal transfer facility at Fraser Surrey docks. In an effort to stop U.S. coal train shipments, they've started a petition that has gathered over 7,600 signatures in two and a half weeks.

Communities and Coal co-founder and South Surrey resident Paula Williams said the opposition has been "remarkable" so far, and noted that the coal opposition in the U.S. gives a boost to British Columbian communities as well.

"The opposition in Washington is extremely strong, and has become an powerful force because communities are working together and are not afraid to speak up," she said.  "They have been working at this longer than we have, but we will catch up. The more exposure this gets, the more empowered residents will become. They do have a voice; they just don't realize how powerful the collective is."

Around a month ago, WIlliams helped organize a Town Hall meeting with guest speakers including Eoin Madden from the Wilderness Committee, and Dr. Frank James, MD.  Dr. James is a member of Whatcom Docs, a group of medical doctors in Whatcom County, WA who worry about he health impacts of coal export projects in Washington State.

To read the full story, click here.