Oregon lawmakers consider smoking ban in cars
01/31/2009
Good Freakin Lord In Heaven!
Associated Press
After banning all smoking in Oregon bars and taverns, lawmakers say cars with children as passengers may be next.
A proposed law would carry a $90 fine for the first offense and a $360 penalty the third time an adult is caught blowing smoke in a vehicle with anyone younger than 17 in the front or back seat.
The proposed law got its first public hearing Friday as legislators, physicians and public health officials agreed the state must protect children's health.
Four states — Arkansas, California, Maine and Louisiana — have similar laws. The Washington Legislature is considering one.
But questions remained about whether House Bill 2385 pries too deeply into Oregonians private lives, not to mention how such a law would be enforced.
Dr. Donald Austin, incoming president of the Oregon Public Health Association, argued that children whose lungs are still developing are especially vulnerable to secondhand smoke. Exposure can lead to ear infections, asthma, bronchopneumonia and other illnesses, he said.
State Rep. Chuck Riley, D-Hillsboro, said the law already requires children to be strapped into infant car seats and booster seats. If government has any role it has to be protecting people who cannot protect themselves, he said.
But state Rep. Jim Weidner, R-Yamhill, told the House Transportation Committee that educating parents about the risks to their children would be more effective.
State Rep. Vicki Berger, R-Salem, asked whether such a law would prompt people to dial 9-1-1 every time they saw a parent smoking in the car.
"We have a lot of serious criminal issues," she said. "You put law enforcement in a bind."
But supporters say the laws on seat belts and child safety seats have not caused problems.
"When you declare something illegal," said Sen. Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, "it really does get peoples attention."
___
Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Palomar They Say? Not So Fast, Look At This In Stanfield, Oregon!!!
Maybe we already got the problem solved with that Rocky Mountain Natural Gas source with a deal already made with TransCanada and just more smoke blown up our asses to get that Palomar line in further south.
Do we really need that Palomar Pipeline at all?
So what have we really got here, Palomar/Wiiliams/TransCanada, a high stakes, high dollar, fearce competition to hit the West Coast Market with "The Firstest" with "The Mostest" with the likes of LNG Speculators such as Northen Star, Oregon LNG wanting to get a piece of the action too?
Click on link below for full details.
http://www.downstreamtoday.com/Projects/Project.aspx?project_id=90&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
Do we really need that Palomar Pipeline at all?
So what have we really got here, Palomar/Wiiliams/TransCanada, a high stakes, high dollar, fearce competition to hit the West Coast Market with "The Firstest" with "The Mostest" with the likes of LNG Speculators such as Northen Star, Oregon LNG wanting to get a piece of the action too?
Click on link below for full details.
http://www.downstreamtoday.com/Projects/Project.aspx?project_id=90&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
And Who Was It Won That LUBA Appeal?
Any winners at all here?
In my view the real winners are the Citizens of Clatsop County by LUBA forcing it back into the Public Venue with lessons learned by all of us that will cause a rethink of this whole mess, maybe for the better.
NSNG cannot prove that Salmon Habitat will be protected nor, that Bradwood Landing is technically classed a Small Project, the two most critical aspects of the LUBA appeal by anti-LNG forces were supported thereby, efffectively for the moment, setting NSNG back on their heels in many's view.
A huge victory for all those that spent their time at all hearings trying time after time to tell the CCBofC that NSNG/Bradwood Landing is not wanted in Clatsop County and effectively being ignored, each session.
And now Oregon AG Kroger taking the issue to U.S. Court of Appeals to take a shot at getting the entire NSNG/Bradwood application tossed?
A devastating setback contrary, in my view, to NSNG's Joe Desmond's comment that they planned for stuff like this all along?
Big question here is how much longer will NSNG's backers tolerate this backsliding before we wake up one morning with NSNG gone back to Texas like the Calpine pull-out down in Humboldt County, California?
Problem now for CCBofC is that Clatsop Citizens are now savvy to those Commission Packing tricks to help grease the skids for that, as some say, Silent Majority agenda.
Wonder how many times a month "The Roundtable" is meeting these days.
In my view the real winners are the Citizens of Clatsop County by LUBA forcing it back into the Public Venue with lessons learned by all of us that will cause a rethink of this whole mess, maybe for the better.
NSNG cannot prove that Salmon Habitat will be protected nor, that Bradwood Landing is technically classed a Small Project, the two most critical aspects of the LUBA appeal by anti-LNG forces were supported thereby, efffectively for the moment, setting NSNG back on their heels in many's view.
A huge victory for all those that spent their time at all hearings trying time after time to tell the CCBofC that NSNG/Bradwood Landing is not wanted in Clatsop County and effectively being ignored, each session.
And now Oregon AG Kroger taking the issue to U.S. Court of Appeals to take a shot at getting the entire NSNG/Bradwood application tossed?
A devastating setback contrary, in my view, to NSNG's Joe Desmond's comment that they planned for stuff like this all along?
Big question here is how much longer will NSNG's backers tolerate this backsliding before we wake up one morning with NSNG gone back to Texas like the Calpine pull-out down in Humboldt County, California?
Problem now for CCBofC is that Clatsop Citizens are now savvy to those Commission Packing tricks to help grease the skids for that, as some say, Silent Majority agenda.
Wonder how many times a month "The Roundtable" is meeting these days.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
And Why Not A Community Arena?
Now, hold on a second.
Before the naysayers start braying, it doesn't cost one thin dime to dream and brainstorm.
Why should we not consider a multi-use, flexible Community Arena/Recreation Facility?
Sprinker Recreation Center in Tacoma has worked beautifully for years with outdoor facitlities as well as an indoor Ice Arena/Tennis Courts/Racquetball/Physical Development facility.
Why, in Clatsop County, would not a similar facility work here?
Below in my concept for a base building that will serve primarily as an Ice Arena but is flexible enough for conversion for other Special Events.
A community that takes pride in its Scandinavian heritage, one would think a facility like this would be the heart of our community recreation.
Even Ireland has a National Ice Hockey team and amateur programs nationwide.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Case Study; Women Much More Advanced Financial Planners?
Truer words were never spoken!
Dan was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the family business.
When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sickly father died, he decided he needed a wife with which to share his fortune.
One evening at an investment meeting he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her natural beauty took his breath away.
'I may look like just an ordinary man,' he said to her, but in just a few years, my father will die, and I'll inherit $65 million.
Impressed, the woman obtained his business card and three days later, she became his stepmother.
Women are so much better at financial planning than men.
Dan was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the family business.
When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sickly father died, he decided he needed a wife with which to share his fortune.
One evening at an investment meeting he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her natural beauty took his breath away.
'I may look like just an ordinary man,' he said to her, but in just a few years, my father will die, and I'll inherit $65 million.
Impressed, the woman obtained his business card and three days later, she became his stepmother.
Women are so much better at financial planning than men.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
From Columbia RiverKeepers: LUBA Overturns Bradwood Landing Approval!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
From; Brett VandenHeuvelExecutive Director, Columbia Riverkeeper
Minutes ago, LUBA overturned the Clatsop County decision approving Bradwood Landing.
The effect of this victory is that the land use approval is invalid.
Therefore, the state cannot process any permits because the project is inconsistent with local land use.
Very exciting.
We won on two claims.
First, the county failed to properly determine whether the LNG terminal and pipeline "protects" salmon and traditional fishing areas.
Second, the county improperly decided that the project is "small to medium-sized."
It is nice that the court rejected the county's absurdly narrow view of the project.
More analysis tomorrow, but wanted you all to know pronto.
Thanks to all who testified at county hearings etc.
And to the awesome work by Western Environmental Law Center attorney Jan Wilson.
Keep up the fight. We are winning!
Brett VandenHeuvelExecutive Director, Columbia Riverkeeper724 Oak Street, Hood River, OR 97031phone: 503 348-2436, fax: 541 387-3029 bv@columbiariverkeeper.org
We will provide more information as it is made available.
From; Brett VandenHeuvelExecutive Director, Columbia Riverkeeper
Minutes ago, LUBA overturned the Clatsop County decision approving Bradwood Landing.
The effect of this victory is that the land use approval is invalid.
Therefore, the state cannot process any permits because the project is inconsistent with local land use.
Very exciting.
We won on two claims.
First, the county failed to properly determine whether the LNG terminal and pipeline "protects" salmon and traditional fishing areas.
Second, the county improperly decided that the project is "small to medium-sized."
It is nice that the court rejected the county's absurdly narrow view of the project.
More analysis tomorrow, but wanted you all to know pronto.
Thanks to all who testified at county hearings etc.
And to the awesome work by Western Environmental Law Center attorney Jan Wilson.
Keep up the fight. We are winning!
Brett VandenHeuvelExecutive Director, Columbia Riverkeeper724 Oak Street, Hood River, OR 97031phone: 503 348-2436, fax: 541 387-3029 bv@columbiariverkeeper.org
We will provide more information as it is made available.
From Ignoregon(Oregon Blogs): Samuelson and Hackett Ousted!
January 27, 2009
Tom Freel - KAST-AM Astoria(New Northwest Broadcasting)
Samuelson, Hackett Ousted
Here's a follow-up on the Clatsop Democrats meeting where the leadership removed Ann Samuelson and Pete Hackett from their delegate positions:
(Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson)"What I witnessed tonight at the Clatsop Co. Democratic meeting was one of the most unAmerican, undemocratic processes ever.
I was voted out, no discussion, point of order was not acknowledged, basically railroaded.
I asked a voting member after it was over why? I was told that I had "brown nosed" Hazen all the way to New York City...when actually we went to Washington D.C. on a very tiring short trip to assure that the FERC Commission acknowledged our Clatsop County contract with Bradwood Landing, assuring that promises to the County were kept.(The ethics, necessity and cost of this trip were questioned by many in Clatsop County and Commissioner Jeff Hazen's account of this trip is posted at the end of this post for you to read and judge for yourself)
People in attendance were aghast, as was I.
I did bring a cake, on it I had written a number of things I've worked on as a Commissioner in the last two years...they ate the cake...need I say more...as always I will continue to serve my constituents in District 5, and the County as whole.
Forgiveness is a skill...I'm getting good at it.
Ann Samuelson"
http://www.ignoregon.com/
Clatsop County Commissioner Jeff Hazen's account of "The D.C. Trip"
Sunday, September 21, 2008
"As most of you are aware, Commissioner Samuelson and I traveled to Washington DC to attend the September 18th FERC meeting. The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to have both of us represent Clatsop County at the meeting.We arrived about an hour before the meeting started and were greeted by the director of external affairs who welcomed us and explained how the meetings worked. She was very gracious and took us up to the Chairman's office where we were able to meet with him for a few minutes. Just prior to the start of the meeting, we were also introduced to each of the commissioners. The room filled up and the meeting began. The Chairman introduced us to those attending the meeting and thanked us for attending. When the Bradwood Landing agenda item came up, each commissioner read statements regarding their positions on the project and indicated their position. A roll call vote was taken and the result was 4-1 approving the certification of the Bradwood Landing project.As stated by some of the commissioners, this is not the final approval for the project. They attached 109 conditions to the project, 75 of which must be met before construction can begin. Comments were also made regarding the transparency of the project and the fact that the State of Oregon still has some decisions to make regarding the project. They expressed the necessity of improving the gas supply in the Northwest. I would encourage everyone to go to the FERC website and read all of the statements made by the commissioners.Following the meeting we had one interview with an energy publication. We then walked over to Union Station for lunch prior to our appointment with Congressman Wu. When we arrived at his office, we learned that he was on the floor and would not be able to meet us in his office. We were taken over to the Capitol by one of his legislative assistants so we could meet with him in the hallway. Unfortunately, he was very pressed for time and the hallway was very noisy so we were unable to have much of a discussion with him. We attempted to share the process that we went through and the separate contract we have with Norther Star Natural Gas. It was a disappointing meeting for both of us. We were even more disappointed that as we were sitting outside of his office building on a park bench, he walked by us and seemed to not recognize us even though we had just met with him less than 30 minutes earlier.We then went to the other side of the Capitol for our appointment with Senator Wyden. Upon arrival at his office we learned that he couldn't meet with us because he was attending an Intelligence Committee meeting. We sat down with one of his senior energy advisers. He shared with us the concern that the Senator has about the FERC process and that he wanted to see the process changed. I can't tell you if the Senator supports or doesn't support the project, he just doesn't like the process. We again shared the contract we had with NSNG, but he didn't seem to interested in it. It was unfortunate that we couldn't share some of the other concerns in the county since we didn't get to meet with the Senator.We left his office rather disappointed in both meetings. Our intention was to also discuss topics such as the Westport/Wauna water situation and also to encourage the relocation of the NOAA fleet to Astoria. While we had dinner that evening, we discussed that we need to be better and building the relationship with our congressional delegation so they know first hand what is going on in Clatsop County and what opportunities there are for the federal government to assist us.The following morning, we met with one of Senator Smith's natural resources senior advisers. I felt that the meeting with her was excellent. We knew the Senator was out of town and that we would be meeting with her instead. She was very insightful in the FERC process and had a good knowledge of the Bradwood Landing project. I look forward to continued discussions with his office in regards to this and other topics as well.I think that it was important for us to go to Washington to represent Clatsop County. I realize that there are some that don't like the fact that we went, but with decisions like this, we must be represented. This was not a sight seeing vacation on the public dime. As a matter of fact, the only building we stopped to look at was the Library of Congress after our meeting with Senator Smith's office. It happened to be on our way back to where the car was parked. I don't know what the total cost of the trip was, but I would venture a guess of around $2600. I think we only had the county pay for 1 lunch and 1 breakfast, we paid for our dinners, one lunch, and also for the food on the plane. I chose a hotel outside of Washington DC because I didn't think that paying $400 a night for a hotel room was prudent. As we plan future trips to Washington, we should be able to plan them far enough ahead of time in order to get better prices.As with all organizations, it is important to build relationships and I believe that trips such as this can be beneficial to the county. Traveling to Salem will also be important in order to continue our relationships with our partners there. "
Tom Freel - KAST-AM Astoria(New Northwest Broadcasting)
Samuelson, Hackett Ousted
Here's a follow-up on the Clatsop Democrats meeting where the leadership removed Ann Samuelson and Pete Hackett from their delegate positions:
(Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson)"What I witnessed tonight at the Clatsop Co. Democratic meeting was one of the most unAmerican, undemocratic processes ever.
I was voted out, no discussion, point of order was not acknowledged, basically railroaded.
I asked a voting member after it was over why? I was told that I had "brown nosed" Hazen all the way to New York City...when actually we went to Washington D.C. on a very tiring short trip to assure that the FERC Commission acknowledged our Clatsop County contract with Bradwood Landing, assuring that promises to the County were kept.(The ethics, necessity and cost of this trip were questioned by many in Clatsop County and Commissioner Jeff Hazen's account of this trip is posted at the end of this post for you to read and judge for yourself)
People in attendance were aghast, as was I.
I did bring a cake, on it I had written a number of things I've worked on as a Commissioner in the last two years...they ate the cake...need I say more...as always I will continue to serve my constituents in District 5, and the County as whole.
Forgiveness is a skill...I'm getting good at it.
Ann Samuelson"
http://www.ignoregon.com/
Clatsop County Commissioner Jeff Hazen's account of "The D.C. Trip"
Sunday, September 21, 2008
"As most of you are aware, Commissioner Samuelson and I traveled to Washington DC to attend the September 18th FERC meeting. The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to have both of us represent Clatsop County at the meeting.We arrived about an hour before the meeting started and were greeted by the director of external affairs who welcomed us and explained how the meetings worked. She was very gracious and took us up to the Chairman's office where we were able to meet with him for a few minutes. Just prior to the start of the meeting, we were also introduced to each of the commissioners. The room filled up and the meeting began. The Chairman introduced us to those attending the meeting and thanked us for attending. When the Bradwood Landing agenda item came up, each commissioner read statements regarding their positions on the project and indicated their position. A roll call vote was taken and the result was 4-1 approving the certification of the Bradwood Landing project.As stated by some of the commissioners, this is not the final approval for the project. They attached 109 conditions to the project, 75 of which must be met before construction can begin. Comments were also made regarding the transparency of the project and the fact that the State of Oregon still has some decisions to make regarding the project. They expressed the necessity of improving the gas supply in the Northwest. I would encourage everyone to go to the FERC website and read all of the statements made by the commissioners.Following the meeting we had one interview with an energy publication. We then walked over to Union Station for lunch prior to our appointment with Congressman Wu. When we arrived at his office, we learned that he was on the floor and would not be able to meet us in his office. We were taken over to the Capitol by one of his legislative assistants so we could meet with him in the hallway. Unfortunately, he was very pressed for time and the hallway was very noisy so we were unable to have much of a discussion with him. We attempted to share the process that we went through and the separate contract we have with Norther Star Natural Gas. It was a disappointing meeting for both of us. We were even more disappointed that as we were sitting outside of his office building on a park bench, he walked by us and seemed to not recognize us even though we had just met with him less than 30 minutes earlier.We then went to the other side of the Capitol for our appointment with Senator Wyden. Upon arrival at his office we learned that he couldn't meet with us because he was attending an Intelligence Committee meeting. We sat down with one of his senior energy advisers. He shared with us the concern that the Senator has about the FERC process and that he wanted to see the process changed. I can't tell you if the Senator supports or doesn't support the project, he just doesn't like the process. We again shared the contract we had with NSNG, but he didn't seem to interested in it. It was unfortunate that we couldn't share some of the other concerns in the county since we didn't get to meet with the Senator.We left his office rather disappointed in both meetings. Our intention was to also discuss topics such as the Westport/Wauna water situation and also to encourage the relocation of the NOAA fleet to Astoria. While we had dinner that evening, we discussed that we need to be better and building the relationship with our congressional delegation so they know first hand what is going on in Clatsop County and what opportunities there are for the federal government to assist us.The following morning, we met with one of Senator Smith's natural resources senior advisers. I felt that the meeting with her was excellent. We knew the Senator was out of town and that we would be meeting with her instead. She was very insightful in the FERC process and had a good knowledge of the Bradwood Landing project. I look forward to continued discussions with his office in regards to this and other topics as well.I think that it was important for us to go to Washington to represent Clatsop County. I realize that there are some that don't like the fact that we went, but with decisions like this, we must be represented. This was not a sight seeing vacation on the public dime. As a matter of fact, the only building we stopped to look at was the Library of Congress after our meeting with Senator Smith's office. It happened to be on our way back to where the car was parked. I don't know what the total cost of the trip was, but I would venture a guess of around $2600. I think we only had the county pay for 1 lunch and 1 breakfast, we paid for our dinners, one lunch, and also for the food on the plane. I chose a hotel outside of Washington DC because I didn't think that paying $400 a night for a hotel room was prudent. As we plan future trips to Washington, we should be able to plan them far enough ahead of time in order to get better prices.As with all organizations, it is important to build relationships and I believe that trips such as this can be beneficial to the county. Traveling to Salem will also be important in order to continue our relationships with our partners there. "
Oregonian Live: Oregon AG Asks U.S. Appeals Court To Toss Bradwood Approval
OREGON BUSINESS NEWS
State asks court to toss Bradwood site's approval
Ted Sickinger - The Oregonian
Monday January 26, 2009, 10:50 PM
The state of Oregon asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday to overturn federal regulators' approval of the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas terminal, proposed for a site 20 miles east of Astoria on the Columbia River....For Complete Report Click On Link Below
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/01/state_asks_court_to_toss_bradw.html
State asks court to toss Bradwood site's approval
Ted Sickinger - The Oregonian
Monday January 26, 2009, 10:50 PM
The state of Oregon asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday to overturn federal regulators' approval of the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas terminal, proposed for a site 20 miles east of Astoria on the Columbia River....For Complete Report Click On Link Below
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/01/state_asks_court_to_toss_bradw.html
Monday, January 26, 2009
Stimulating Green Energy Investesments: From U.S. Senate Subcommittee On Energy And Natural Resources
Press Release From: U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Energy and Natural Resources
Contact: David Marks - Phone: 202-224-8046
Stimulating Green Energy Investments
January 23rd, 2009
Chairman Bingaman, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, praised the inclusion in the Senate Finance Committee mark of a major energy provision that he proposed to the economic stimulus package – a manufacturers tax credit designed to help the renewables industries.....Click On Link Below for Complete Article
http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Print&PressRelease_id=326a1485-441b-4531-94ef-9552d1374c52&SuppressLayouts=True&Party=0http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=7cf996
Contact: David Marks - Phone: 202-224-8046
Stimulating Green Energy Investments
January 23rd, 2009
Chairman Bingaman, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, praised the inclusion in the Senate Finance Committee mark of a major energy provision that he proposed to the economic stimulus package – a manufacturers tax credit designed to help the renewables industries.....Click On Link Below for Complete Article
http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Print&PressRelease_id=326a1485-441b-4531-94ef-9552d1374c52&SuppressLayouts=True&Party=0http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=7cf996
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