III. THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET
3.01 In contrast with accounting records which are retrospective, a budget is generally a projection of future revenues and expenditures. At a minimum, a budget is used to control financial transactions. However, in addition to controlling financial transactions, a budget should also be used as a management and planning tool. Work load and service goal objectives are objectives are included in the budget document.
3.02 Because governments allocate services, budgets are needed to plan for and control the receipt and expenditure of monies to meet these ends. Each government’s budgetary process is affected by numerous variables (e.g., the law; intergovernmental transfers; governmental structure; the regional and national economies; the nature of the service provided; and the personalities of the principal actors). These factors heavily influence the budget process and budgetary outcomes....We do have choices in Municipal Budgeting and I am not so certain "Perfomance Based Budgeting" Is Working For Us So Much As For County Management and BOCC.... For Complete Article Clisk On Title Above.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Hydro Power: The Potential Runs Past Us Everyday
Published: June 01, 2008 12:04 am
HYDROPOWER: RAPID RETURNS?
By Dan Miner - Niagra Gazette E-mail Dan
Several companies are eyeing spots on the Niagara River floor to place a new technology they say could produce hundreds of “green collar” jobs and clean electricity. Essentially, both Massachusetts-based Free Flow Power Corp. and Texas-based Hydro Green Energy want to install finely tuned mechanical water mills, or hydropower turbines, that could conceivably produce enough electricity to power all of the homes in Niagara Falls and then some.....For Complete Article Click On Title Above
HYDROPOWER: RAPID RETURNS?
By Dan Miner - Niagra Gazette E-mail Dan
Several companies are eyeing spots on the Niagara River floor to place a new technology they say could produce hundreds of “green collar” jobs and clean electricity. Essentially, both Massachusetts-based Free Flow Power Corp. and Texas-based Hydro Green Energy want to install finely tuned mechanical water mills, or hydropower turbines, that could conceivably produce enough electricity to power all of the homes in Niagara Falls and then some.....For Complete Article Click On Title Above
Thursday, June 26, 2008
From The Daily Astorian: "Back To D.A.Square One?: Budget Woes Might Affect DA's Personnel
Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:47:00 AM
County Commission OKs budget, hears about appeals process.
An old argument about how two positions in the Clatsop County District Attorney's office are funded - and the possibility they will be the first to be cut if there's a revenue shortfall - resurfaced during Wednesday night's regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner Sam Patrick said he thought there was a conflict in the 2008-09 budget the Board was preparing to pass: That two recently hired staff for the district attorney would be the first to be cut. When the positions were moved from being paid for by timber revenue to the General Fund, they were exempted from the county policy to make public safety positions the last to be cut.....For Full Article, Click on Title Above.
County Commission OKs budget, hears about appeals process.
An old argument about how two positions in the Clatsop County District Attorney's office are funded - and the possibility they will be the first to be cut if there's a revenue shortfall - resurfaced during Wednesday night's regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner Sam Patrick said he thought there was a conflict in the 2008-09 budget the Board was preparing to pass: That two recently hired staff for the district attorney would be the first to be cut. When the positions were moved from being paid for by timber revenue to the General Fund, they were exempted from the county policy to make public safety positions the last to be cut.....For Full Article, Click on Title Above.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
From The Daily Astorian:Oregon Teachers Group To Charge Seeleys With Misconduct
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 11:34:00 AM
By KARA HANSEN - The Daily Astorian
JEWELL - The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission is charging former Jewell School District superintendent John Seeley and his wife, Jewell School employee Laura Seeley, with misconduct.
The nature of the charges "remains confidential until the final outcome of the case," said Melody Hanson, executive assistant for the commission, the state body responsible for licensing Oregon teachers and school administrators and for taking disciplinary action when educators commit crimes or violate competency and ethics standards.
The case "has to work through its process at this point," she said Wednesday.....For Complete Article, Click On Title Above
By KARA HANSEN - The Daily Astorian
JEWELL - The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission is charging former Jewell School District superintendent John Seeley and his wife, Jewell School employee Laura Seeley, with misconduct.
The nature of the charges "remains confidential until the final outcome of the case," said Melody Hanson, executive assistant for the commission, the state body responsible for licensing Oregon teachers and school administrators and for taking disciplinary action when educators commit crimes or violate competency and ethics standards.
The case "has to work through its process at this point," she said Wednesday.....For Complete Article, Click On Title Above
Press Release: LNG Referendum A Go For September 16, 2008 Ballot
IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 17, 2008
Signatures Validated, LNG Referendum A Go
Date Set For a Vote on LNG Pipelines in Parks in Clatsop County(Astoria, OR) Despite Northern Star's attempts to derail it in court, Clatsop County residents will be able to vote on allowing LNG-related pipelines in their parks.
Cathie Schurman, Interim County Clerk, today certified 1117 of the 1255 signatures submitted (91%), far in excess of the598 needed.
She set the date of the county-wide vote as September 16, 2008.
The ballot measure number is 4-131.
Northern Star first sued in Clatsop County court to stop the referendumentirely; then to radically change the ballot language. They failed on both counts.
The change in the zoning ordinance to allow pipelines not only affects the area near the LNG terminal, but would allow pipelines in all areas designated open space, parks, and recreation. This includes Camp Cullaby, Carnahan County Park, Fishhawk Falls County Park, North Fork Nehalem CountyPark, and Sigfridson County Park.
"As a community we implement laws that aid in the protection of ourchildren. How, in good conscience, could we as a community allow a 36-inch, high-pressure, interstate gas pipeline three feet below where our children play?" said Teri Sund, an Astoria mother of two.
Debbie Twombly, Astoria resident and also a chief petitioner, added, "Even people who support the LNG projects do not support the Commissioners making such a sweeping change to our laws to accommodate one company.
" The group Clatsop County Citizens for Common Sense www.ClatsopCommonSense.org is raising money and organizing for the vote. "We expect a vigorous campaign from a well-funded opposition, but we expect to prevail," said Marc Auerbach, one of the referendum petitioners and chair of the NorthwestProperty Rights Coalition.
Clatsop County Citizens for Common Sense Marc Auerbach Chair Northwest Property Rights Coalition and Petitionermarc@nwprc.org 503.755.2415 Don WestVice President, Columbia River Business Alliance and Petitioner donweast10@gmail.com 503.298.9937 Brent Foster Executive Director of Columbia Riverkeeper brentfoster@gorge.net 541.380.1334 Clatsop Common Sense P.O. Box 186Warrenton, Oregon 97146 www.ClatsopCommonSense.org
Signatures Validated, LNG Referendum A Go
Date Set For a Vote on LNG Pipelines in Parks in Clatsop County(Astoria, OR) Despite Northern Star's attempts to derail it in court, Clatsop County residents will be able to vote on allowing LNG-related pipelines in their parks.
Cathie Schurman, Interim County Clerk, today certified 1117 of the 1255 signatures submitted (91%), far in excess of the598 needed.
She set the date of the county-wide vote as September 16, 2008.
The ballot measure number is 4-131.
Northern Star first sued in Clatsop County court to stop the referendumentirely; then to radically change the ballot language. They failed on both counts.
The change in the zoning ordinance to allow pipelines not only affects the area near the LNG terminal, but would allow pipelines in all areas designated open space, parks, and recreation. This includes Camp Cullaby, Carnahan County Park, Fishhawk Falls County Park, North Fork Nehalem CountyPark, and Sigfridson County Park.
"As a community we implement laws that aid in the protection of ourchildren. How, in good conscience, could we as a community allow a 36-inch, high-pressure, interstate gas pipeline three feet below where our children play?" said Teri Sund, an Astoria mother of two.
Debbie Twombly, Astoria resident and also a chief petitioner, added, "Even people who support the LNG projects do not support the Commissioners making such a sweeping change to our laws to accommodate one company.
" The group Clatsop County Citizens for Common Sense www.ClatsopCommonSense.org is raising money and organizing for the vote. "We expect a vigorous campaign from a well-funded opposition, but we expect to prevail," said Marc Auerbach, one of the referendum petitioners and chair of the NorthwestProperty Rights Coalition.
Clatsop County Citizens for Common Sense Marc Auerbach Chair Northwest Property Rights Coalition and Petitionermarc@nwprc.org 503.755.2415 Don WestVice President, Columbia River Business Alliance and Petitioner donweast10@gmail.com 503.298.9937 Brent Foster Executive Director of Columbia Riverkeeper brentfoster@gorge.net 541.380.1334 Clatsop Common Sense P.O. Box 186Warrenton, Oregon 97146 www.ClatsopCommonSense.org
Monday, June 16, 2008
PP&L Takes Pot Shots At Renewable Energy?
Green Washing Utilities Attack Renewable Energy
Like a sniper shot taking out a platoon leader, the legal action taken byPP&L against third-party financing of solar has inflicted damage to afledging industry by inserting uncertainty that will spook investors regardless of how the Oregon PUC responds.
As co-founder of Onsite Energy in the 1980’s, a wholly owned subsidiary of PacifiCorp (owner of PP&L at that time), our company grew very rapidlybuilding private energy projects using efficiency improvements and renewable energy sources.
These projects were financed almost entirely by the samethird-party ownership structures questioned by PP&L today.
PP&L’s legal action is evidence that renewable energy technologies are viewed as a threat to generation sources favored by the shareholder ownedutilities and their regulators. Other examples abound: Northwest Natural Gaspromoting imported LNG for peaking gas-fired turbines that directly competewith the peak electricity produced by solar photovoltaic; PGE’s complicity with Enron’s efforts to profit off of manipulation of generation and powersupply; Oregon PUC issuing a memo concerning energy demand written by energyspeculators and their consultants.
These barriers are the tip of the iceberg of the actions that can be placed to slow or kill renewable energy projects.
Is this a business environment that can implement the goals of theLegislature and the Governor for 25% of the State’s electrical generationfrom renewable sources by 2025?
The current energy crisis is exposing our dependency on these economically and ecologically damaging energy sources. The good news is that technology exists today that is financially competitive and environmentally superior to fossil fuels. Oregon has immense renewable energy resources that are immediately developable.
In his book, Winning Our Energy Independence, S.David Freeman makes a compelling case for removing barriers and immediatelyimplementing alternatives.
Paul Sansone
Like a sniper shot taking out a platoon leader, the legal action taken byPP&L against third-party financing of solar has inflicted damage to afledging industry by inserting uncertainty that will spook investors regardless of how the Oregon PUC responds.
As co-founder of Onsite Energy in the 1980’s, a wholly owned subsidiary of PacifiCorp (owner of PP&L at that time), our company grew very rapidlybuilding private energy projects using efficiency improvements and renewable energy sources.
These projects were financed almost entirely by the samethird-party ownership structures questioned by PP&L today.
PP&L’s legal action is evidence that renewable energy technologies are viewed as a threat to generation sources favored by the shareholder ownedutilities and their regulators. Other examples abound: Northwest Natural Gaspromoting imported LNG for peaking gas-fired turbines that directly competewith the peak electricity produced by solar photovoltaic; PGE’s complicity with Enron’s efforts to profit off of manipulation of generation and powersupply; Oregon PUC issuing a memo concerning energy demand written by energyspeculators and their consultants.
These barriers are the tip of the iceberg of the actions that can be placed to slow or kill renewable energy projects.
Is this a business environment that can implement the goals of theLegislature and the Governor for 25% of the State’s electrical generationfrom renewable sources by 2025?
The current energy crisis is exposing our dependency on these economically and ecologically damaging energy sources. The good news is that technology exists today that is financially competitive and environmentally superior to fossil fuels. Oregon has immense renewable energy resources that are immediately developable.
In his book, Winning Our Energy Independence, S.David Freeman makes a compelling case for removing barriers and immediatelyimplementing alternatives.
Paul Sansone
From The Daily Astorian - Critics Debunk PUC Commission's Beyer
Monday, June 16, 2008 12:05 PM
Critics debunk Beyer's LNG paper - PUC chairman tells Kulongoski he thinks importing LNG is a good way for the state to ensure supply, price
By CASSANDRA PROFITA - The Daily Astorian
The chairman of Oregon's Public Utility Commission has told Gov. Ted Kulongoski he thinks importing liquefied natural gas is a good way for the state to ensure future supply and stabilize prices.
Contrary to the findings of the Oregon Department of Energy, which released a study last month concluding Oregon doesn't need LNG, PUC Chairman Lee Beyer said an LNG terminal will help meet increases in demand for natural gas and could offer some savings in transportation costs, though it would sell for about the same price as domestic gas.
"Other regions of the country are all looking to secure access to additional gas supply sources, such as LNG and nonconventional gas, to replace supplies from quickly diminishing domestic and pipeline import sources," Beyer said in a five-page memo to Kulongoski sent May 30. "The Northwest should do the same."......For Complete Article, Click On Title Above.
Critics debunk Beyer's LNG paper - PUC chairman tells Kulongoski he thinks importing LNG is a good way for the state to ensure supply, price
By CASSANDRA PROFITA - The Daily Astorian
The chairman of Oregon's Public Utility Commission has told Gov. Ted Kulongoski he thinks importing liquefied natural gas is a good way for the state to ensure future supply and stabilize prices.
Contrary to the findings of the Oregon Department of Energy, which released a study last month concluding Oregon doesn't need LNG, PUC Chairman Lee Beyer said an LNG terminal will help meet increases in demand for natural gas and could offer some savings in transportation costs, though it would sell for about the same price as domestic gas.
"Other regions of the country are all looking to secure access to additional gas supply sources, such as LNG and nonconventional gas, to replace supplies from quickly diminishing domestic and pipeline import sources," Beyer said in a five-page memo to Kulongoski sent May 30. "The Northwest should do the same."......For Complete Article, Click On Title Above.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
From The Daily Astorian: Rejected Clatsop County Commission Candidate Files Suit Agaist Clatsop County Sheriff
6/13/2008 1:05:00 PM
By JOE GAMM - The Daily Astorian
James "Ace" Neikes is suing Sheriff Tom Bergin and Clatsop County for defamation of character.
Neikes, an Astoria businessman, had applied for the Clatsop County District 3 Commissioner seat vacated when Richard Lee was recalled.
The replacement was to be appointed by the remaining four commissioners.........For The Complete Story, Click On Title Above.
By JOE GAMM - The Daily Astorian
James "Ace" Neikes is suing Sheriff Tom Bergin and Clatsop County for defamation of character.
Neikes, an Astoria businessman, had applied for the Clatsop County District 3 Commissioner seat vacated when Richard Lee was recalled.
The replacement was to be appointed by the remaining four commissioners.........For The Complete Story, Click On Title Above.
Friday, June 13, 2008
From Daily Astorian: Astoria To Meet On Sustainable, Family Wage Jobs
6/13/2008 12:46:00 PM
Oregon lawmaker, union to host public conference Monday
By CASSANDRA PROFITA - The Daily Astorian
Where are the family-wage jobs in Clatsop County?
Will regional and state climate change policies help or hurt the local economy?
Do log haulers need more bargaining power as the price of gas climbs?
These questions and more will be addressed at a town hall meeting Monday, when regional experts and local politicians will talk with community members about sustainable jobs in rural Oregon from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Labor Temple, 925 Duane St., in Astoria.....For Complete Article, Click On Title Above.
Oregon lawmaker, union to host public conference Monday
By CASSANDRA PROFITA - The Daily Astorian
Where are the family-wage jobs in Clatsop County?
Will regional and state climate change policies help or hurt the local economy?
Do log haulers need more bargaining power as the price of gas climbs?
These questions and more will be addressed at a town hall meeting Monday, when regional experts and local politicians will talk with community members about sustainable jobs in rural Oregon from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Labor Temple, 925 Duane St., in Astoria.....For Complete Article, Click On Title Above.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
From North Coast Citizen - Wheeler Crab Fest Set For June 14 & 15
6/5/2008 9:49:00 AM
Wheeler Crab Fest on tap June 14 & 15 at Waterfront Park
North Coast Citizen
The annual Wheeler Crab Festival will be held June 14 and 15, from noon to 6 p.m. at Waterfront Park in Wheeler. Admission is free and if you're so inclined enjoy a meal. The cost is for a meal is $13' and includes a half of a crab, shrimp cocktail, corn on the cob, coleslaw, bread sticks and coffee. For more information, call Melissa at (503) 368-9463 or the Chamber at (503) 368-5700......For Complete Article, Click On Title Above
Wheeler Crab Fest on tap June 14 & 15 at Waterfront Park
North Coast Citizen
The annual Wheeler Crab Festival will be held June 14 and 15, from noon to 6 p.m. at Waterfront Park in Wheeler. Admission is free and if you're so inclined enjoy a meal. The cost is for a meal is $13' and includes a half of a crab, shrimp cocktail, corn on the cob, coleslaw, bread sticks and coffee. For more information, call Melissa at (503) 368-9463 or the Chamber at (503) 368-5700......For Complete Article, Click On Title Above
From Daily Astorian - Clatsop Community College To Shoot For A $5 Million Dollar Bond
6/11/2008 11:30:00 AM
College seeks to secure local funding for campus renovation
By KARA HANSEN - The Daily Astorian
Clatsop Community College Board members are moving ahead with a plan to secure local funding for redeveloping the Jerome Avenue campus in Astoria that could be key to obtaining $100,000 in promised grant money.College leaders agreed at a regular meeting Tuesday that a $5 million bond measure would provide the final chunk of money needed to start going out for construction bids. It would also afford some elbow room for the project's estimated $25 million price tag, and it would help foot the bill for matching funds required by public and private backers.......Click On Title Above For Full Article
College seeks to secure local funding for campus renovation
By KARA HANSEN - The Daily Astorian
Clatsop Community College Board members are moving ahead with a plan to secure local funding for redeveloping the Jerome Avenue campus in Astoria that could be key to obtaining $100,000 in promised grant money.College leaders agreed at a regular meeting Tuesday that a $5 million bond measure would provide the final chunk of money needed to start going out for construction bids. It would also afford some elbow room for the project's estimated $25 million price tag, and it would help foot the bill for matching funds required by public and private backers.......Click On Title Above For Full Article
From Daily Astorian - Long Beach Bank Of Pacific Warns Of Credit Card Scam
6/11/2008 12:20:00 PM
One, two, three and the scammer has your credit card code indeed
East Oregonian Publishing Group
LONG BEACH, Wash. - Bankers are warning abut a new wrinkle in an old credit card scam.Jerry Phillips, risk manager for Bank of Pacific, said it is "pretty slick since the scammer provides you with all the information, except the one piece (of information) he wants.""The callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. The scammers have already gotten your card number by good old-fashioned 'dumpster diving' or maybe by using their cell phone to take a picture of your card while you were using it at a store or restaurant."Phillips explained how the scam works:.......For Complete Article, Click On Title Above
One, two, three and the scammer has your credit card code indeed
East Oregonian Publishing Group
LONG BEACH, Wash. - Bankers are warning abut a new wrinkle in an old credit card scam.Jerry Phillips, risk manager for Bank of Pacific, said it is "pretty slick since the scammer provides you with all the information, except the one piece (of information) he wants.""The callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. The scammers have already gotten your card number by good old-fashioned 'dumpster diving' or maybe by using their cell phone to take a picture of your card while you were using it at a store or restaurant."Phillips explained how the scam works:.......For Complete Article, Click On Title Above
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
News Video On Palomar Pipeline Through Mount Hood National Forest?
View and judge for yourselves.
Click on title above to view
Click on title above to view
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The Port; Crider With Chamberlain As Number two?
Is that what Holcom said?
Hiring Chamberlain as well?
Interesting concept.
Why not?
What about Larson?
I still say Ron is meant for
The Airport's future.
Should discussion on this commence immediately?
Hiring Chamberlain as well?
Interesting concept.
Why not?
What about Larson?
I still say Ron is meant for
The Airport's future.
Should discussion on this commence immediately?
Monday, June 09, 2008
From The Daily Astorian: Port Unanimously Selects Tillamook's Crider
By CASSANDRA PROFITA - The Daily Astorian
The Port of Astoria Commission voted unanimously today to offer the Port's permanent executive director position to former Port of Tillamook Bay director Jack Crider of Lincoln City.
Ron Larsen, who has held the interim executive director position since Peter Gearin was fired last year, applied for the permanent position.
If Crider takes the job, Larsen will return to his former job as the Port's director of operations, as per his contract.
All five commissioners agreed Crider is the best choice because of his 15 years at the Port of Tillamook Bay, his extensive list of contacts in the world of Oregon ports and his ability to start work immediately.
The commissioners also agreed on their second choice, Dakota Chamberlain, a project manager at the Port of Seattle. However, they said he would need more time to adapt to the Port of Astoria while Crider could hit the ground running.
They said the fourth candidate, Lee Hutchins of Chicago, had more experience working with large-scale operations and would be better suited for a port with a bigger budget and more support staff. ......For Complete Story Clisk On Title Above
The Port of Astoria Commission voted unanimously today to offer the Port's permanent executive director position to former Port of Tillamook Bay director Jack Crider of Lincoln City.
Ron Larsen, who has held the interim executive director position since Peter Gearin was fired last year, applied for the permanent position.
If Crider takes the job, Larsen will return to his former job as the Port's director of operations, as per his contract.
All five commissioners agreed Crider is the best choice because of his 15 years at the Port of Tillamook Bay, his extensive list of contacts in the world of Oregon ports and his ability to start work immediately.
The commissioners also agreed on their second choice, Dakota Chamberlain, a project manager at the Port of Seattle. However, they said he would need more time to adapt to the Port of Astoria while Crider could hit the ground running.
They said the fourth candidate, Lee Hutchins of Chicago, had more experience working with large-scale operations and would be better suited for a port with a bigger budget and more support staff. ......For Complete Story Clisk On Title Above
Saturday, June 07, 2008
From Nehalem Political Action; LNG Alert
LNG ALERT
*Astoria, OR* The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission(FERC) released itsFinal Environmental Impact Statement(EIS) today which grossly failed toaddress concerns raised by community members, Oregon state agency andOregon's Governor regarding the Bradwood LNG terminal and pipeline.
Governor Kulongoski, Representative Wu and many others had called on FERC to prepare a new Draft EIS given significant changes in the design of the project and new information about its impacts.
FERC, however, not only refused to prepare a new draft EIS, but failed to respond to the most serious concernsraised about the inadequacy of the much-criticized draft EIS.
According to Brent Foster, Executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, "It is really unbelievable to see FERC essentially dismiss the serious concerns raised not just by the public, but by virtually every State of Oregon agency that reviewed their initial analysis.
The Bush Administration's FERC wants to bury their head in the sand, approve the project and then leave Oregon and Washington to clean up the mess they have created.
"Brett VandenHuevel, attorney for Columbia Riverkeeper, blasted the FERCanalysis. "There are so many gaps in this EIS that FERC should really beembarrassed. They refused to consider in detail the impacts of the Palomar pipeline project that would connect to the NorthernStar LNG terminal andthey said they did not need to consider the actual global warming emissionsof this huge project. They don't take a hard look at impacts to salmon, and they've repeated the same faulty analysis of water quality, air quality, and economic impacts."
Greg Jacob of Oregon Chapter Sierra Club also criticized FERC's lack of analysis of key issues raised by a recent report by Oregon Department ofEnergy which concluded that Oregon does not need LNG. "FERC basicallyrefused to evaluate whether the project is needed, despite GovernorKulongoski's request that they do so and the State's recent report showing that LNG is unnecessary for our state. Oregon should not be forced toaccept a destructive, expensive project when better alternatives are readily available."
Cheryl Johnson, a Clatsop County school librarian and community organizer against LNG, added, "FERC never even pretended to listen to our concerns. They issued a shoddy analysis for this project and didn't account for very basic issues such as inadequate public safety and emergency responseresources. Concerns from community members and the cities of Warrenton and Astoria have fallen on deaf ears at FERC."
Gayle Kiser, president of a Cowlitz County group opposing the terminal and its pipeline, expressed anger at FERC's unwillingness to provide a clearpicture of the project. "The pipeline is proposed to cross our property, and we are appalled that FERC would put us at risk for a project that isclearly not needed. Worse yet, people along the Palomar pipeline areexcluded from this analysis despite the obvious connection between Bradwood and Palomar. We find the FEIS insulting, and we will continue to fight them on every level."
Opponents will file a written response to the FEIS this month.
* *Major issues raised by Governor Kulongoski, State of Oregon agencies andcommunity groups that were not addressed by FERC in the Final EIS include:
*1. Need for LNG*: Despite calls to consider whether or not there was aneed for LNG in Oregon or whether other alternatives could better meetOregon's energy needs, the Final EIS failed to consider whether there was aneed for LNG in Oregon. The Final EIS dismissed the recent report from theOregon Dept. of Energy finding that there was no need for LNG in Oregon andthat LNG was twice the price of other natural gas alternatives and hadsignificantly greater environmental impacts.
*2. Impacts on global warming*: FERC refused to consider the impacts thatthe proposed LNG project would have on global warming as a result of thesignificant carbon emissions and energy use needed to liquefy and ship LNGto Oregon from the Middle East and other foreign countries where itoriginates.
*3. Impacts to salmon: *State agencies from both Oregon and Washington aswell as Native American tribes strongly criticized the draft EIS's failureto adequately consider the impacts of the proposed project on Columbia Rive=rsalmon. The final EIS, however, failed to adequately study or analyze someof the most important impacts to salmon and all but ignored NorthernStar'srecent changes in the proposed project that would seriously increase impact=son salmon.
* **4. Pipeline impacts*: Because NW Natural's proposed 220-mile long Palomarpipeline would send gas from the Bradwood LNG project to theCalifornia-bound pipeline in eastern Oregon, many told FERC they needed toevaluate the impacts of this "connected" or "cumulative" action as requiredby the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). FERC, however, fails toanalyze in detail the impacts of the Palomar pipeline despite the fact itwould rip across hundreds of family farms in the Willamette Valley, crossover 290 streams and rivers, and leave a 40-mile clearcut across Mt. Hood.
*5. Threats to public safety: *Despite the federal governments own studiesshowing that communities such as Astoria could be leveled by a catastrophicfire in the event of an LNG tanker accident or terrorist attack, FERCrefused to provide any specifics about how many people would be killed orinjured in such an event, or evaluate how a city like Astoria, with fewemergency response resources, could cope with an LNG accident.
Posted by Chuck - Nehalem Political Action
*Astoria, OR* The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission(FERC) released itsFinal Environmental Impact Statement(EIS) today which grossly failed toaddress concerns raised by community members, Oregon state agency andOregon's Governor regarding the Bradwood LNG terminal and pipeline.
Governor Kulongoski, Representative Wu and many others had called on FERC to prepare a new Draft EIS given significant changes in the design of the project and new information about its impacts.
FERC, however, not only refused to prepare a new draft EIS, but failed to respond to the most serious concernsraised about the inadequacy of the much-criticized draft EIS.
According to Brent Foster, Executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, "It is really unbelievable to see FERC essentially dismiss the serious concerns raised not just by the public, but by virtually every State of Oregon agency that reviewed their initial analysis.
The Bush Administration's FERC wants to bury their head in the sand, approve the project and then leave Oregon and Washington to clean up the mess they have created.
"Brett VandenHuevel, attorney for Columbia Riverkeeper, blasted the FERCanalysis. "There are so many gaps in this EIS that FERC should really beembarrassed. They refused to consider in detail the impacts of the Palomar pipeline project that would connect to the NorthernStar LNG terminal andthey said they did not need to consider the actual global warming emissionsof this huge project. They don't take a hard look at impacts to salmon, and they've repeated the same faulty analysis of water quality, air quality, and economic impacts."
Greg Jacob of Oregon Chapter Sierra Club also criticized FERC's lack of analysis of key issues raised by a recent report by Oregon Department ofEnergy which concluded that Oregon does not need LNG. "FERC basicallyrefused to evaluate whether the project is needed, despite GovernorKulongoski's request that they do so and the State's recent report showing that LNG is unnecessary for our state. Oregon should not be forced toaccept a destructive, expensive project when better alternatives are readily available."
Cheryl Johnson, a Clatsop County school librarian and community organizer against LNG, added, "FERC never even pretended to listen to our concerns. They issued a shoddy analysis for this project and didn't account for very basic issues such as inadequate public safety and emergency responseresources. Concerns from community members and the cities of Warrenton and Astoria have fallen on deaf ears at FERC."
Gayle Kiser, president of a Cowlitz County group opposing the terminal and its pipeline, expressed anger at FERC's unwillingness to provide a clearpicture of the project. "The pipeline is proposed to cross our property, and we are appalled that FERC would put us at risk for a project that isclearly not needed. Worse yet, people along the Palomar pipeline areexcluded from this analysis despite the obvious connection between Bradwood and Palomar. We find the FEIS insulting, and we will continue to fight them on every level."
Opponents will file a written response to the FEIS this month.
* *Major issues raised by Governor Kulongoski, State of Oregon agencies andcommunity groups that were not addressed by FERC in the Final EIS include:
*1. Need for LNG*: Despite calls to consider whether or not there was aneed for LNG in Oregon or whether other alternatives could better meetOregon's energy needs, the Final EIS failed to consider whether there was aneed for LNG in Oregon. The Final EIS dismissed the recent report from theOregon Dept. of Energy finding that there was no need for LNG in Oregon andthat LNG was twice the price of other natural gas alternatives and hadsignificantly greater environmental impacts.
*2. Impacts on global warming*: FERC refused to consider the impacts thatthe proposed LNG project would have on global warming as a result of thesignificant carbon emissions and energy use needed to liquefy and ship LNGto Oregon from the Middle East and other foreign countries where itoriginates.
*3. Impacts to salmon: *State agencies from both Oregon and Washington aswell as Native American tribes strongly criticized the draft EIS's failureto adequately consider the impacts of the proposed project on Columbia Rive=rsalmon. The final EIS, however, failed to adequately study or analyze someof the most important impacts to salmon and all but ignored NorthernStar'srecent changes in the proposed project that would seriously increase impact=son salmon.
* **4. Pipeline impacts*: Because NW Natural's proposed 220-mile long Palomarpipeline would send gas from the Bradwood LNG project to theCalifornia-bound pipeline in eastern Oregon, many told FERC they needed toevaluate the impacts of this "connected" or "cumulative" action as requiredby the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). FERC, however, fails toanalyze in detail the impacts of the Palomar pipeline despite the fact itwould rip across hundreds of family farms in the Willamette Valley, crossover 290 streams and rivers, and leave a 40-mile clearcut across Mt. Hood.
*5. Threats to public safety: *Despite the federal governments own studiesshowing that communities such as Astoria could be leveled by a catastrophicfire in the event of an LNG tanker accident or terrorist attack, FERCrefused to provide any specifics about how many people would be killed orinjured in such an event, or evaluate how a city like Astoria, with fewemergency response resources, could cope with an LNG accident.
Posted by Chuck - Nehalem Political Action
Friday, June 06, 2008
California Water Law Curtailing New Development
By JENNIFER STEINHAUER
Published: June 7, 2008
PERRIS, Calif. — As California faces one of its worst droughts in two decades, building projects are being curtailed for the first time under state law by the inability of developers to find long-term water supplies.
Water authorities and other government agencies scattered throughout the state, including here in sprawling Riverside County, east of Los Angeles, have begun denying, delaying or challenging authorization for dozens of housing tracts and other developments under a state law that requires a 20-year water supply as a condition for building.
California officials suggested that the actions were .....For Full Article Click On Title Above
Published: June 7, 2008
PERRIS, Calif. — As California faces one of its worst droughts in two decades, building projects are being curtailed for the first time under state law by the inability of developers to find long-term water supplies.
Water authorities and other government agencies scattered throughout the state, including here in sprawling Riverside County, east of Los Angeles, have begun denying, delaying or challenging authorization for dozens of housing tracts and other developments under a state law that requires a 20-year water supply as a condition for building.
California officials suggested that the actions were .....For Full Article Click On Title Above
Thursday, June 05, 2008
D.A Josh Marquis On June 5, 2008 LNG Referendum Hearing
After about an hour's arguments Wedneday afternoon by lawyers for Bradwood, Charles Hinkle of Portland, and from attorney Thane Tienson and Brent Vanderhuevel of Columbia Riverkeepers, and myself, Judge Cindee Matyas made a few changes to the proposed ballot title language that will appear on the September special election.
My job as District Attorney is to write as neutral and accurate as possible a 10-word caption,. 20- word question and no more than 175-word summary simply describing what voters are voting on. As I told Judge Matyas I felt that if both sides wanted changes I felt it was likely I had succeeded in being neutral in my language. The judge changed some phrases but agreed in part of points made by all parties. I have no issue with the changes Judge Matyas made, my role under Oregon law is simply to try to draft language. That language is now settled and it will be up to voters.
My job as District Attorney is to write as neutral and accurate as possible a 10-word caption,. 20- word question and no more than 175-word summary simply describing what voters are voting on. As I told Judge Matyas I felt that if both sides wanted changes I felt it was likely I had succeeded in being neutral in my language. The judge changed some phrases but agreed in part of points made by all parties. I have no issue with the changes Judge Matyas made, my role under Oregon law is simply to try to draft language. That language is now settled and it will be up to voters.
Port Meeting Minutes
March 11, 2008? and here it is June 5, 2008
Is there something they don't want us to know right away?
Any wonder critical financial information is not avaialble?
Any wonder there is a major lack of confidence in Port Operations?
Is there something they don't want us to know right away?
Any wonder critical financial information is not avaialble?
Any wonder there is a major lack of confidence in Port Operations?
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Long Beach, Cal. LNG Project Killed!!!
Long Beach LNG officially dead! We did it!!!
Afterspending seven years and $80 million trying to bring aliquefied naturalgas import terminal to the Port of Long Beach, Sound EnergySolutions (SES)has finally closed its offices.
This is yet another victory fortheenvironment facilitated by the dedication of Sierra Club andvolunteers forthe Great Coastal Places Campaign! As you know, LNG's highlife-cyclegreenhouse gas emissions, severe environmental impacts, andstaggering.....For Complete Article Click On Title Above
Afterspending seven years and $80 million trying to bring aliquefied naturalgas import terminal to the Port of Long Beach, Sound EnergySolutions (SES)has finally closed its offices.
This is yet another victory fortheenvironment facilitated by the dedication of Sierra Club andvolunteers forthe Great Coastal Places Campaign! As you know, LNG's highlife-cyclegreenhouse gas emissions, severe environmental impacts, andstaggering.....For Complete Article Click On Title Above
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