The Oakland city council couldn't decide last night on whether to spend a quarter million dollars to study competing claims on the environmental impacts of a proposed coal export terminal. As is often the case, the controversial proposal brought several speakers on both sides to the council chambers. Many spoke against it - saying that Oakland should ban coal in the name of public health and its affects on climate change. Others said Oakland needs more jobs and should not miss the opportunity. Some Oakland faith leaders rallied in front of city hall before the hearing to show their opposition to coal in Oakland.
Pacifica's Nina Pareja was at last night's meeting and filed this report.