The Pacific Northwest will receive the emissions from those plants in any case; the choice is whether we receive low-sulfur emissions, from PRB coal or high-sulfur emissions from coal acquired elsewhere. High-sulfur emissions, it may be recalled, are associated with increased acidity in precipitation (acid rain, acid snow). Moreover, PRB coal is also low in mercury; coal from other sources is substantially higher in mercury content.

The professional alarmists are, therefore, demanding that there be no jobs in the Pacific Northwest related to the movement of PRB coal while insisting that we accept significantly greater environmental effects due to heightened sulfur and mercury emissions.

That Harry Esteve accused Dan Sandini of laying in wait at QFC to video Governor Kitzhaber begs the question, what is the likelihood that the governor gave his personal calendar including an impromptu shopping trip directed by phone by the governor’s girlfriend to Dan? No one would believe that especially after Dan was assaulted at a public event by then candidate Kitzhaber who saw the assault happen while he gave his speech, but callously ignored it.

Legacy newspapers don’t investigate or pursue the truth leaving envious reporters like Esteve lobbing barbs and lying to undermine successful journalists.

Honest reporting by investigative citizen journalists who are not beholden to the political status quo are the future.

This is excellent journalism.

Thank you, Dan.