BELLINGHAM – With a musical kickoff from bandZandt singing “No Coal Trains,” local activists launched their “Coal-Free Bellingham” campaign for a citizen initiative to outlaw coal trains through a city ordinance.

Stoney Bird, a retired corporate attorney who is one of the key organizers, said it may be a week or two before signature-gatherers hit the streets. The language for the ballot title needs to be worked out with the City Attorney’s office. But judging from the Thursday, January 26, turnout of 200 or more enthusiastic supporters, the signature-gathering process won’t lack for volunteers.

Read more: Hundreds Turn Out to Launch Bellingham Anti-Coal Train Initiative

(By John Stark, The Bellingham Herald)