LNG is target of local grange opposition

September 20, 2007

The Skamokawa Grange's next public program on September 24, will be an update on the local opposition to NorthernStar's proposed LNG site across from Puget Island.

George Exum of Puget Island will present a slide show on how this installation would affect local lives and how River Keepers and other local groups are keeping the pressure on to deny NorthernStar's FERC application, especially as the Clatsop County Planning Commission has approved the zoning variances for its construction.

This program will be in lieu of the Grange's regular Monday meeting and will begin at 7:30 p.m.

At this year’s Washington State Grange meeting, delegates adopted a resolution put forth by the Pleasant Hill Grange, #101, to oppose development of an LNG terminal at Bradwood Oregon. The vote to adopt the resolution was nearly unanimous and represents 45,000 Grange members statewide.

Issues that Grange delegates considered before taking their vote against the Bradwood development included that the proposal would involve the use of eminent domain against landowners for pipeline development in Cowlitz County and that the project was unnecessary to supply Washington’s needs and would serve California, who has rejected LNG terminals in their own state.

The State Grange resolution notes that the high pressure, non-odorized gas pipeline and the terminal are inconsistent with maintaining adequate public safety and security in the Lower Columbia area and will increase pollution and damage critical salmon habitat. The resolution notes that the proposed Bradwood project will be a cause for extra expense to agricultural and other products using Columbia River ports for shipping.

The resolution that was passed “urges the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and all relevant Washington and Oregon agencies to deny site approval and all permits for the Bradwood landing LNG terminal and pipeline.”

Next year’s State Grange Meeting will be held in Colville, with the 2009 meeting slated for Longview.