Pacific Green Party Opposes Liquid Natural Gas Facilities in Oregon
Pacific Green Party (Oregon)
www.pacificgreens.org
August 21, 2006
Contacts: Joanne Cvar, PGP Coordinating and Media Committees, 541-563-3615
Chris Henry, PGP Co-Chair and Media Coordinator, 503-757-2324
"Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a hazardous fuel frequently shipped in large tankers from overseas to U.S. ports. LNG is also
manufactured domestically and is often stored near population centers. Because LNG infrastructure is highly visible and
easily identified, it can be vulnerable to terrorist attack."
Abstract: Congressional Research Service Report, Update: June 3, 2005
PORTLAND -- At their June 2006 convention, members of the Pacific Green Party of Oregon voted to oppose all siting of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Oregon. Such facilities are proposed for the North Spit of Coos Bay and four other locations on the lower Columbia River. The Energy Policy Act recently passed by Congress gives the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission sole authority to site such LNG facilities, and Governor Kulongoski has ordered state agencies to participate fully in the process here in Oregon.
Yet citizens’ groups in the localities of the proposed facilities are mounting stiff opposition, based on concerns about the potentially catastrophic hazards involved in the transportation and storage of LNG; disruption to the activities of local fisherman, tourists, and air and rail traffic due to security precautions; and the harbor dredging that will be necessary for the aircraft-carrier-sized transport ships arriving six to seven times a month. And according to the CRS Report cited above, “the likelihood and possible impacts from LNG attacks [by terrorists] continue to be debated among experts.” Concerns are also raised about increased dependence on imported fossil fuels, a dependence which would add to global warming and discourage development of alternative and renewable bio-friendly energy sources.
Joe Keating, PGP candidate for governor of Oregon, attended a public meeting held August 20 in Roseburg to voice his opposition to the LNG siting proposals. “As governor,” Keating says, “my priority will be for an energy-independent Oregon. LNG terminals are bad for the environment and bad for our long-term economic viability.” Other PGP candidates in the November electoral races join Keating in his opposition. Paul Aranas, vying for the U.S. House of Representatives, District 5; Jeff Cropp, running for the Oregon House of Representatives, District 42; and Paul Loney, running for the Oregon House of Representatives, District 46, have all taken a stand against the LNG proposals.
Representatives of citizens’ groups opposing the LNG sitings are meeting on Tuesday, August 22 at 1 p.m. to discuss their concerns with aides to Governor Kulongoski Peter Cogswell, Deputy Chief of Staff and Mike Carrier, Natural Resources Policy Director. The Governor is not available.
