Comments on: Look Who’s Taking Coal Money, Part 2

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 06:13:04 +0000

The Schwabe firm says on the “sustainability” page of its website (http://www.schwabe.com/sustainability.aspx) that it “constantly strive[s] to do right by our clients, the community and the natural world around us” and that they are “increasingly mindful of the impact that our ecological footprint (carbon or otherwise) has on the local, regional and global environment.” In light of the Schwabe firm’s legal representation of coal and other extractive interests, wouldn’t such statements be in violation of Washington law against false advertising? RCW 9.04.010 makes a misdemeanor of any advertisement which “contains any assertion, representation or statement of fact which is untrue, deceptive or misleading….”

By: kathy b

kathy b — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 20:18:03 +0000

Hi Lee,
These coal companies will pay top dollar to the attorneys to represent them. Just as food for thought, the average coal miner in Wyoming earns $65,000 annually. That’s just a blue collar worker bee, so imagine what they’re paying these white collar guys. Also, it needs to be pointed out that Goldman Sachs has their finger in this pie, too.

By: Eric de Place

Eric de Place — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:14:49 +0000

It’s fixed now, thanks.

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:09:09 +0000

You misspelled Jay Waldron’s name (twice).

By: Bob Ferris

Bob Ferris — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:44:05 +0000

Thanks for adding Stark and Smith. Their tag line “When business needs public agreement, Smith & Stark apply their experience and strategic thinking to creating the right solution” says it all in subtle ways. My sense is that they are the sources for many of the purposely confusing spins on diesel particulates and wood smoke as well as the attacks on other legitimate public health concerns. These public health issues are very important and impact the most vulnerable of our society. Smith and Stark deserve whatever public spanking they get and more for their part in this deception.

Bob Ferris

By: Sarah Morken

Sarah Morken — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 23:43:43 +0000

Let us follow the money a little more.

K & L Gates law firm works for Peabody Coal, Gateway Pacific Terminal and BNSF.
K & L Gates was also Jay Inslee’s second biggest campaign and PAC donor in 2012.

http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.php?type=C&cid=N00001725&newMem=N&cycle=2012

By: Lee James

Lee James — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 01:25:53 +0000

This article is quite an eye-opener. Thank you! Brings to mind the saying, “everyone has their price.” Do the coal companies pay unusually well? Makes me appreciate all the more how local Indian tribes and Nations seem to be holding steady against possible lucretive offers from Big Coal.