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An anonymous company out of Wyoming is looking to ship millions of tons of coal from several midwest states through Northern California counties including Humboldt, state Sen. Mike McGuire warned in a press release this morning.

“This toxic coal train would run through the heart of so many thriving communities and along the Russian and Eel rivers, which are the main source of drinking water for nearly one million residents,” McGuire said in the release. “These mighty waterways are also home to some of the most sensitive ecosystems on Earth, which include numerous endangered species.”

According to a release, the company would use a portion of the "now-defunct North Coast rail route, which runs approximately 320 miles between Marin and Humboldt counties." The coal would then be loaded onto ships in Humboldt Bay, sold overseas and burned.

The company's bid also threatens McGuire's Great Redwood Trail project, which would be the longest continuous rail trail in America, stretching from the bustling waters of San Francisco Bay to the fog-shrouded redwood shores of Humboldt Bay.

“California banned coal-fired power plants for good reason,” McGuire said. ”Coal is the dirtiest and most damaging source of energy out there. It’s the number one cause of global warming and it’s the number one contributor to our climate crisis. The people of the North Coast won’t stand for this. We rallied against Big Oil to protect our coast from offshore drilling – and won. And we will win this fight against Big Coal.”

According to the release, McGuire will be making an announcement in the coming days about new legislation he'll be spearheading to "help stop Big Coal in their tracks."

“I’m here to promise that, no matter how many billions of dollars these coal barons throw at this project, we’re going to stop this dangerous proposal and put a nail in the coffin of coal, and we will continue to move the Great Redwood Trail forward,” McGuire said. 

Read the full press release below.

A secret new company is trying to ship toxic coal through the North Coast

One of the largest environmental threats in decades is about to hit the North Coast

North Coast, CA – The North Coast is facing one of the largest environmental threats in decades. A secret, clandestine operation – hiding behind an anonymous LLC out of Wyoming – wants to ship millions and millions of tons of coal from Montana, Utah and Wyoming through the Northern California counties of Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt. The shadowy rail operation would utilize a portion of the now defunct North Coast rail route, which runs approximately 320 miles between Marin and Humboldt counties. The coal would then be loaded onto ships in Humboldt Bay, sold overseas, and burned.

“This toxic coal train would run through the heart of so many thriving communities and along the Russian and Eel Rivers, which are the main source of drinking water for nearly one million residents,” Senator Mike McGuire said. “These mighty waterways are also home to some of the most sensitive ecosystems on Earth, which include numerous endangered species.”

The secrecy behind the toxic coal train is completely offensive, as well as the fact these bad actors have met behind closed doors with some local officials to try and make this toxic dream a reality. This anonymous group has also filed a request to kill the build out of the Great Redwood Trail. The Trail, which will be the longest contiguous rail-trail in America, would stretch from the bustling waters of San Francisco Bay to the fog-shrouded redwood shores of Humboldt Bay.

Senator McGuire has made significant progress on the Great Redwood Trail over the past several years. The trail system would meander through ancient redwoods, state and national wildlands, oak-studded golden hills and along our incredible rivers. The Trail will also be an economic driver for the dozens of rural communities it runs through.

“California banned coal-fired power plants for good reason,” Senator McGuire said. ”Coal is the dirtiest and most damaging source of energy out there. It’s the number one cause of global warming and it’s the number one contributor to our climate crisis. The people of the North Coast won’t stand for this. We rallied against Big Oil to protect our coast from offshore drilling – and won. And we will win this fight against Big Coal.”

“I’m here to promise that, no matter how many billions of dollars these coal barons throw at this project, we’re going to stop this dangerous proposal and put a nail in the coffin of coal, and we will continue to move the Great Redwood Trail forward.”

Senator McGuire is expected to make an announcement in the coming days about new legislation he’ll be carrying to help stop Big Coal in their tracks.