BNSF Railway CEO Sounds off on coal-export debate

A recent article in The Columbian details BNSF Railway Chairman and CEO Matthew Rose’s trip to Washington this past week to discuss his company’s involvement in controversial plans to export coal from Washington and Oregon ports.  Rose expressed doubt that all five of the currently proposed terminals would be built, pointing to the recent shelving of the proposed terminal in Gray’s Harbor.  He expects that only two or three of the proposed terminals will ultimately be constructed.  Rose called some of the concerns surrounding the proposals overblown. He acknowledged the potential impacts of increasing train traffic through Northwest communities, particularly on emergency response time, but emphasized that those concerns would be addressed in planning and implementation of the projects.

BNSF Chairman and CEO Matthew Rose weighs in on the proposed coal export terminals in the Northwest, here.