LNG Rally in Salem

Oregon opposes LNG, 14.01.2009 20:06

This past Tuesday concerned citizens from Southern Oregon joined in a statewide rally on the steps of the Oregon Capitol to tell the Governor and our state legislatures to say “No to LNG ”. Approximately 400 Oregon residents from all walks of life from across the state gathered for a rally which was part of a citizen’s renewable energy day at the Oregon Capitol. A group of farmers brought a collection of tractors and horse trailers to represent their presence at the rally. These trackers were parked across the street from the capitol steps with signs voicing their opposition to LNG as a visual statement of who will be impacted by the terminals if they are allowed to be brought into Oregon. The salmon were also seen “swimming” throughout the crowds at the rally to show their opposition to LNG.

As well as a rally, which lasted for about 2 hours, there were workshops throughout the day and in the afternoon groups and citizens had the opportunity to speak with legislative staff from their districts about their concerns about LNG terminals being allowed to be developed in Oregon.

The Raging Grannies of Salem kicked off the rally with a number of very spirited songs. Keynote speakers at the rally included John Kroger, Oregon Attorney General and legislators who will be sponsoring the “LNG Public Protection Act”. John Kroger strongly stated that “I oppose Liquefied Natural Gas”.

The proposed “LNG Public Protection Act” would allow state land leases, water rights, or wetland fill permits only if the Department of Energy determined there is a need for LNG, and the would set standards for permitting of LNG facilities, including a requirement that a need for LNG would be established before any permits are granted by state agencies. Additionally, the bill would require that existing beneficial uses of Coos Bay and the Columbia River, such as fish habitat and fishing access, would not be harmed by LNG development. Brett VandenHeuvel, Executive Director of Columbia Riverkeeper, stated that “this bill puts in place a needs assessment for LNG, which Governor Kulongoski has supported all along. In fact, the Department of Energy recently concluded that we can meet our gas needs with lower-priced domestic gas.”

Jody McCaffree, chairwoman of Citizens Against LNG from Coos Bay, spoke about the importance of job creation and renewable energy. She said that renewable energy creates hundreds of jobs by bringing green jobs into the state, but LNG would only provide a handful of jobs.

The rally concluded with a loud roar coming from the crowd. “WIND, SOLAR ENERGY. WE DON’T NEED YOUR LNG!”

Download this article in pdf format >>

Add this article to your pdf newsletter selection >>

Checkout and Download your PDF-newsletter selection >>

Email this article to someone >>

Make a quick comment on this article >>

LNG Opponents Will Challenge FERC Decision 15.01.2009 - 20:24  http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2009/01/385078.shtml Liisa> Homepage:: http://