Longview Daily News
By Tony Lystra
Federal regulators appear poised to reconsider their approval of the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas terminal, both supporters and opponents of the project said Friday.
But what exactly that means for the Columbia River project depends on whom you talk to.
The disclosure followed a dizzying burst of arguments from NorthernStar Natural Gas, the Houston company behind the $650 million project.
On Thursday, NorthernStar first asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to hold off on deciding whether to revisit the September decision to approve the terminal, then acknowledged on Friday that it would be illegal for the agency to do so.
Still, NorthernStar characterized FERC’s anticipated move to take up the project again as a routine, procedural measure that would not jeopardize the terminal’s fate.
The project’s opponents, however, said the approval process, which has amounted to a battle between the states and federal officials, appeared to be unraveling and that NorthernStar had engaged in a desperate bout of legal maneuvering toward the end of the week in order to save face.
“That FERC might be rethinking or reconsidering its decision is a huge setback,” said Brent Foster, the executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, one of the environmental groups fighting the terminal. “It puts a huge cloud over FERC’s decision.”
Washington’s Assistant Attorney General Joan Marchioro said Friday that NorthernStar is clearly trying to influence FERC “at the eleventh hour.”
“It appears to me that there must be some recognition on the company’s part that the motions for rehearing have merit,” she said.
FERC officials could not be reached Friday.
Agencies in Oregon and Washington have asked FERC to reconsider its decision to approve the LNG terminal, which would be built across the Columbia River from Puget Island, as well as an accompanying pipeline that would cross Cowlitz County.
The state agencies argue that FERC illegally approved the terminal before NorthernStar secured Clean Air, Clean Water and Coastal Zone permits from Oregon and Washington.
FERC has until Monday to decide whether to grant the agencies’ request for a rehearing. Should FERC decline to revisit its decision, states and others would be free to sue the federal agency in federal court.
On Thursday, NorthernStar asked FERC to hold off on its decision.
The company said in a memo that it wants time to secure necessary state permits from Oregon and Washington and to complete a massive review of impacts on endangered species.
It also said delaying would “prevent premature and unnecessary litigation that may occur if the commission issues a final order....”
“We’re saying that’s in the public interest,” Joe Desmond, NorthernStar’s vice president of external affairs, said Friday evening.
The Oregon Attorney General’s Office fired off an answer to NorthernStar’s request Friday, saying that if FERC wants to give the states time to consider Clean Air, Water and Coast Zone permits, as NorthernStar suggests, then the best course of action would be for FERC to repeal its Sept. 18 approval of the project and start from scratch.
In addition, the Oregon memo said the law does not allow FERC to delay its decision on whether to take up the case.
Desmond acknowledged as much Friday evening, saying he expected FERC will grant a rehearing “for the limited purpose of further consideration.”
That language, he said, is important because it doesn’t mean that FERC is on the brink of reversing its approval of the Bradwood terminal. Rather, he said, it would allow FERC to respond to requests for a rehearing within the time frame required by law, without triggering lawsuits.
“Certainly this is what we would expect on Monday,” Desmond said. “We’ve explained this on a number of occasions.”
But NorthernStar’s memo was surprising for several reasons, said Foster, of Riverkeeper. The company should want to blast through the federal approval process as quickly as possible because it faces competition from Oregon LNG, which also plans an LNG terminal on the river.
The memo also represents an apparent reversal of NorthernStar’s position on which permits it should secure and in which order they should be granted.
“This is just a 180-degree change in position,” he said. “This is a hail Mary.... It has got to be the absolute last thing in the world they want to do.”
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Civics: Teaching Our Kids To Love Democracy
by Richard Dreyfuss
I believe America is a verb, not a noun. America is the greatest opportunity for people to live in fairness and decency, but only if you accept the idea that America is an ongoing activity, rather than a done deal. America as an evolving concept has meaning; our country offers more potential for human freedom and mobility of mind than any other sovereign nation created in the last 10,000 years. But if America is just a noun, a static object, it should be treated as any other nation. Nothing special -- simply a place that is south of Canada and north of Mexico.
Click On Link Below For Complete Article:
http://www.edutopia.org/civics-unrest-teaching-kids-to-love-democracy
I believe America is a verb, not a noun. America is the greatest opportunity for people to live in fairness and decency, but only if you accept the idea that America is an ongoing activity, rather than a done deal. America as an evolving concept has meaning; our country offers more potential for human freedom and mobility of mind than any other sovereign nation created in the last 10,000 years. But if America is just a noun, a static object, it should be treated as any other nation. Nothing special -- simply a place that is south of Canada and north of Mexico.
Click On Link Below For Complete Article:
http://www.edutopia.org/civics-unrest-teaching-kids-to-love-democracy
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Appomattox NG Pipeline Explosion - "A Fireball A Quarter Mile Wide And High! Says County Law Enforcement
Sheriff Deputy John Mattox:“The concussion of it almost knocked me off my feet a quarter mile away, and the heat… I thought it was coming for me and I couldn’t get back fast enough.”
By Carrie J. Sidener
Published: September 15, 2008
APPOMATTOX — More than a day after a natural gas pipeline explosion destroyed two homes and injured five people, nearby residents expressed concern that two pipelines are still flowing gas through their community.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Related:
Three pipelines run side-by-side between the charred and shattered brick remains of the homes of Linda Jamerson and Calvin Childress along Kelly Creek and Oakville roads in AppomattoxCounty....For Complete Article Click On Thread Title Above
Click On this Link For Aerial photos of site:
http://www.newsadvance.com/lna/news/local/article/a_view_from_above_appomattox_pipeline_explosion/8689/
By Carrie J. Sidener
Published: September 15, 2008
APPOMATTOX — More than a day after a natural gas pipeline explosion destroyed two homes and injured five people, nearby residents expressed concern that two pipelines are still flowing gas through their community.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Related:
Three pipelines run side-by-side between the charred and shattered brick remains of the homes of Linda Jamerson and Calvin Childress along Kelly Creek and Oakville roads in AppomattoxCounty....For Complete Article Click On Thread Title Above
Click On this Link For Aerial photos of site:
http://www.newsadvance.com/lna/news/local/article/a_view_from_above_appomattox_pipeline_explosion/8689/
Monday, November 03, 2008
545 versus 300,000,000?
545 PEOPLE
By Charlie Reese, a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper and journalist for 49 years
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.
Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. ONLY The House of Representatives does.
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices, 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason.
They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House?
By Charlie Reese, a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper and journalist for 49 years
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.
Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. ONLY The House of Representatives does.
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices, 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason.
They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House?
Nancy Pelosi. She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 3 00 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.
If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ, it's because they want them in IRAQ.
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.
Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, who they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like 'the economy,' 'inflation,' or 'politics' that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power. They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses. provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.
We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!
What you do with this article now that you have read it is up to you.
Obama Intent On Bankrupting The Coal Industry?
Audio & Video: Obama will bankrupt the coal industry
Here's the Sunday morning BUZZ!!! Everyone's talking this morning about the Audio and Video Clip now up on YouTube of Obama telling the San Francisco Chronicle he'll make it impossible for new coal plants to be built.
The interview took place in January and this tape is JUST NOW surfacing!!
We currently have two Coal Power Plants (TXU) in our area here in Texas that provide Electricity to Millions of homes.
This is JUST in NE Texas and If they are "Bankrupted" where will all these homes get power from??
What about other states and areas??
Bankrupty: The change Obama thinks the coal industry deserves… Obama Video (SF, CA): Build the coal plants if they want, but it will Bankrupt them if they do...." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-aLcbr63ME
Obama Audio: Build the coal plants if they want, but it will Bankrupt them if they do....." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hdi4onAQBWQ S
arah Palin Denounces Obama Plan to BANKRUPT COAL INDUSTRY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZjDxXUDLU0&feature=related Obama's redistribution of wealth interview.
Here's the Sunday morning BUZZ!!! Everyone's talking this morning about the Audio and Video Clip now up on YouTube of Obama telling the San Francisco Chronicle he'll make it impossible for new coal plants to be built.
The interview took place in January and this tape is JUST NOW surfacing!!
We currently have two Coal Power Plants (TXU) in our area here in Texas that provide Electricity to Millions of homes.
This is JUST in NE Texas and If they are "Bankrupted" where will all these homes get power from??
What about other states and areas??
Bankrupty: The change Obama thinks the coal industry deserves… Obama Video (SF, CA): Build the coal plants if they want, but it will Bankrupt them if they do...." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-aLcbr63ME
Obama Audio: Build the coal plants if they want, but it will Bankrupt them if they do....." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hdi4onAQBWQ S
arah Palin Denounces Obama Plan to BANKRUPT COAL INDUSTRY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZjDxXUDLU0&feature=related Obama's redistribution of wealth interview.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
"Holding LNG Accountable" says District 2's Roberts!
So contending incumbent County Commissioner, Patricia Roberts says "She is holding LNG (NSNG's Bradwood Landing) Accountable" is it?
Well, let's see now...Measure 4-131, a careless misuse of zoning on a piece of property eyed by Bradwood Landing for their 36" high pressure pipeline but, zoned OPR (Open Land, Parks and Recreation) with the specific requirements of zone change dictated to her, Roberts, County Commission by Northern Star and complied with verbatim.
Hold LNG/Northern Star accountable she says? Well, with a 109 item list of issues to be mitigated before approval of a questionably legitimate application by our state, Roberts has no choice but to sit and check off every item as complete because final approval will not occur without these changes and questions satisfied.
And now, to find out Roberts has received $1000 in contributions, among others, from none other than Ken Leahy, a key player and financial interest holder in Brandwood Landing, LNG Transfer and Storage Terminal.
"Holding LNG Acoountable"....God one.
Well, let's see now...Measure 4-131, a careless misuse of zoning on a piece of property eyed by Bradwood Landing for their 36" high pressure pipeline but, zoned OPR (Open Land, Parks and Recreation) with the specific requirements of zone change dictated to her, Roberts, County Commission by Northern Star and complied with verbatim.
Hold LNG/Northern Star accountable she says? Well, with a 109 item list of issues to be mitigated before approval of a questionably legitimate application by our state, Roberts has no choice but to sit and check off every item as complete because final approval will not occur without these changes and questions satisfied.
And now, to find out Roberts has received $1000 in contributions, among others, from none other than Ken Leahy, a key player and financial interest holder in Brandwood Landing, LNG Transfer and Storage Terminal.
"Holding LNG Acoountable"....God one.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
From CNN: 5 Great Oregon Hiking Adventures
By Lisa M. Shaw - (Coastal Living)
Visitors love driving Oregon's coast, but it's a shame not to get out and hike the stunning landscape, too. Here are several trails to get you started.
For full article, click on link below
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/getaways/10/24/oregon.hikes/index.html
Visitors love driving Oregon's coast, but it's a shame not to get out and hike the stunning landscape, too. Here are several trails to get you started.
For full article, click on link below
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/getaways/10/24/oregon.hikes/index.html
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Future Of Clatsop County Commission
We must avoid this at all costs
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=22954573
Vote For Jim Scheller
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=22954573
Vote For Jim Scheller
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Measure 58: How Long Before A Student Is Required To Assimmilate Into The School System?
Speaker Argues Hate Drives Measure 58
BY TOM HENDERSON - GAZETTE-TIMES REPORTER
It’s the dawn of a new century, but does Bill Sizemore know which one?James Crawford has his doubts.
Crawford spoke at Oregon State University on Saturday night to participants in the Linguistic Association of the Southwest’s 37th annual national convention.
He said Sizemore might be more comfortable in 1908. That was when a wave of resentment started building toward German-speaking immigrants.
World War I brought anti-German hostility to a boiling point, Crawford said. Laws were passed banning the speaking of German in public places, including classrooms.
http://gtconnect.com/articles/2008/10/20/news/community/7loc01_speaker.txt
BY TOM HENDERSON - GAZETTE-TIMES REPORTER
It’s the dawn of a new century, but does Bill Sizemore know which one?James Crawford has his doubts.
Crawford spoke at Oregon State University on Saturday night to participants in the Linguistic Association of the Southwest’s 37th annual national convention.
He said Sizemore might be more comfortable in 1908. That was when a wave of resentment started building toward German-speaking immigrants.
World War I brought anti-German hostility to a boiling point, Crawford said. Laws were passed banning the speaking of German in public places, including classrooms.
http://gtconnect.com/articles/2008/10/20/news/community/7loc01_speaker.txt
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Oregonian: Company Floats Idea On Pacific Ocean Wind Power
Company floats idea of Pacific Ocean wind power
Gail Kinsey Hill - The Oregonian
Sunday October 19, 2008, 8:03 PM
GARIBALDI -- The fishermen are nervous. About a dozen sit around a U-shaped table in a meeting room at Garibaldi's Comfort Inn, their gaze fixed on a picture that has popped up on a PowerPoint presentation.
In the middle of a whitecapped ocean, a wind turbine rises from the waves, three blades poised like a giant whirligig. The tower base connects to an odd-looking floating foundation that, if the speaker is to be believed, signals a breakthrough technology and a powerful future for this struggling bayside town......Click On Link Below For Full Story
http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2008/10/unknowns_buffet_ocean_wind.html
Gail Kinsey Hill - The Oregonian
Sunday October 19, 2008, 8:03 PM
GARIBALDI -- The fishermen are nervous. About a dozen sit around a U-shaped table in a meeting room at Garibaldi's Comfort Inn, their gaze fixed on a picture that has popped up on a PowerPoint presentation.
In the middle of a whitecapped ocean, a wind turbine rises from the waves, three blades poised like a giant whirligig. The tower base connects to an odd-looking floating foundation that, if the speaker is to be believed, signals a breakthrough technology and a powerful future for this struggling bayside town......Click On Link Below For Full Story
http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2008/10/unknowns_buffet_ocean_wind.html
LNG Resistance: Freedom Works Cancels All Their Upcoming Meetings
From: Columbia River Keepers
Great news today -- FreedomWorks (Lights on Oregon) has canceled all upcoming meetings in Oregon!
After bombarding these meetings with members of our anti-LNG coalition, asking tough questions, and showing this LNG front that we will not allow these LNG propaganda meetings to proceed without our presence felt in the room: that organization has decided to cancel the 7 upcoming meetings scheduled for Oregon.
Thanks to everyone who came to the earlier meetings held in Hood River and Gresham and thanks to everyone who helped coordinate our response to these events!
To all of you who planned to attend one of the upcoming meetings to be held by Lights on Oregon (FreedomWorks) -- please note that they have all been canceled and thank you so much for your willingness to come out and have your voices heard.
These meetings were originally planned to counteract the incredibly effective work that we all are doing on this issue and the fact that they have now been canceled is a testiment to how effective we truly are.
Great work, everyone! - Olivia Schmidt Columbia RiverKeeper oliviariver@gmail.com
Great news today -- FreedomWorks (Lights on Oregon) has canceled all upcoming meetings in Oregon!
After bombarding these meetings with members of our anti-LNG coalition, asking tough questions, and showing this LNG front that we will not allow these LNG propaganda meetings to proceed without our presence felt in the room: that organization has decided to cancel the 7 upcoming meetings scheduled for Oregon.
Thanks to everyone who came to the earlier meetings held in Hood River and Gresham and thanks to everyone who helped coordinate our response to these events!
To all of you who planned to attend one of the upcoming meetings to be held by Lights on Oregon (FreedomWorks) -- please note that they have all been canceled and thank you so much for your willingness to come out and have your voices heard.
These meetings were originally planned to counteract the incredibly effective work that we all are doing on this issue and the fact that they have now been canceled is a testiment to how effective we truly are.
Great work, everyone! - Olivia Schmidt Columbia RiverKeeper oliviariver@gmail.com
LNG Documentary Debuts Friday At The Liberty
Locally Produced LNG Documentary Debuts at Astoria International Film Festival
“Crossroads on the Columbia ... Oregon confronts America's energy future” co-produced by Astoria journalist and radio talk show host Donna Quinn and Eugene filmmaker Spence Palermo will be shown:
9:15 pm on Friday, October 24th
Liberty Theatre, 12th and Commercial
Part of the Astoria International Film Festival.
“Crossroads on the Columbia”, a 15 minute short film, chronicles a community's response to private energy investment companies' proposals to build controversial Liquified Natural Gas receiving terminals on the Lower Columbia River near the historic town of Astoria, Oregon.
The passion and power of grass roots activism set against the backdrop of the beauty, history and heritage of the Columbia Pacific region makes this a compelling story of America at the crossroads of fossil fuel dependence, renewable energy and decisions over who controls our land, air, water and economy.
“Although this film is still a work in progress, we thought it was important that a locally produced documentary on this important issue was included in Astoria’s film festival.
Through the visual power of the film medium, we are able to give the Columbia River a voice to tell the story of its rich history and culture to a wider audience,” said Quinn.
Quinn and Palermo are in the process of completing a half-hour version of their film for 2009 film festivals throughout the country.
“Energy independence is “the” issue of our time and has been a focal point of the recent presidential campaign”, says Palermo.
“We hope our films will make people think about their own personal contributions to the energy crisis in the United States and realize that they can make a positive difference by the way in which they live their private and professional lives.
Quinn notes that America has the technology, the ingenuity and the heart to become energy independent within 10 years but that “now it is truly a matter of political will.
”Palmero, of Eugene based film company, "Intercultural Images", has worked with National Geographic, NPR, and the History Channel as well as on other independent projects. One of his latest films with Portland Director Irene Taylor Brodsky, a documentary about polio in India, "The Final Inch", was just short-listed for the 2009 Academy Awards.
Quinn, of Quinnessential Productions, is the host of KMUN's "Talk of Our Towns", a contributor to Northwest Coast Magazine, and working on a book seriesA $5.00 admission at the door will include not only the 15 minute short film, “Crossroads...” but also the 9:30 pm showing of a French drama “Just Ahead of You”.
Since Joanne Rideout's event is the same night as Crossroads, (Friday, October 24) it's fortunate that her special "Ship Report" starts at 7:30 pm at the Maritime and ends at 9 pm so folks can go to the Liberty Theatre for the 9:15 showing of Crossroads. There's a great evening with two Columbia River community happenings on the same evening!
“Crossroads on the Columbia ... Oregon confronts America's energy future” co-produced by Astoria journalist and radio talk show host Donna Quinn and Eugene filmmaker Spence Palermo will be shown:
9:15 pm on Friday, October 24th
Liberty Theatre, 12th and Commercial
Part of the Astoria International Film Festival.
“Crossroads on the Columbia”, a 15 minute short film, chronicles a community's response to private energy investment companies' proposals to build controversial Liquified Natural Gas receiving terminals on the Lower Columbia River near the historic town of Astoria, Oregon.
The passion and power of grass roots activism set against the backdrop of the beauty, history and heritage of the Columbia Pacific region makes this a compelling story of America at the crossroads of fossil fuel dependence, renewable energy and decisions over who controls our land, air, water and economy.
“Although this film is still a work in progress, we thought it was important that a locally produced documentary on this important issue was included in Astoria’s film festival.
Through the visual power of the film medium, we are able to give the Columbia River a voice to tell the story of its rich history and culture to a wider audience,” said Quinn.
Quinn and Palermo are in the process of completing a half-hour version of their film for 2009 film festivals throughout the country.
“Energy independence is “the” issue of our time and has been a focal point of the recent presidential campaign”, says Palermo.
“We hope our films will make people think about their own personal contributions to the energy crisis in the United States and realize that they can make a positive difference by the way in which they live their private and professional lives.
Quinn notes that America has the technology, the ingenuity and the heart to become energy independent within 10 years but that “now it is truly a matter of political will.
”Palmero, of Eugene based film company, "Intercultural Images", has worked with National Geographic, NPR, and the History Channel as well as on other independent projects. One of his latest films with Portland Director Irene Taylor Brodsky, a documentary about polio in India, "The Final Inch", was just short-listed for the 2009 Academy Awards.
Quinn, of Quinnessential Productions, is the host of KMUN's "Talk of Our Towns", a contributor to Northwest Coast Magazine, and working on a book seriesA $5.00 admission at the door will include not only the 15 minute short film, “Crossroads...” but also the 9:30 pm showing of a French drama “Just Ahead of You”.
Since Joanne Rideout's event is the same night as Crossroads, (Friday, October 24) it's fortunate that her special "Ship Report" starts at 7:30 pm at the Maritime and ends at 9 pm so folks can go to the Liberty Theatre for the 9:15 showing of Crossroads. There's a great evening with two Columbia River community happenings on the same evening!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
"The Daily Astorian": Bradwood Opponents Jubilant
10/18/2008 7:59:00 PM
Bradwood opponents jubilant after latest LNG news
Federal fisheries agency, Washington state Department of Ecology question Bradwood approval process
The Daily Astorian and The Associated Press
Washington's Department of Ecology and a federal fisheries agency have challenged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for approving the Bradwood liquefied natural gas terminal.
Managers of both agencies say there has been adequate environmental analysis of the impacts of the proposed terminal, 20 miles east of Astoria.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, a division of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, criticized FERC's approval of the Bradwood project as "not consistent with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act.
"Simultaneously, Washington's Department of Ecology has asked federal authorities to slow down the process, saying that FERC violated the law by "failing to take a hard look at the environmental impacts of the project.".....For Complete Article, Click On Thread Title Above.
Bradwood opponents jubilant after latest LNG news
Federal fisheries agency, Washington state Department of Ecology question Bradwood approval process
The Daily Astorian and The Associated Press
Washington's Department of Ecology and a federal fisheries agency have challenged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for approving the Bradwood liquefied natural gas terminal.
Managers of both agencies say there has been adequate environmental analysis of the impacts of the proposed terminal, 20 miles east of Astoria.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, a division of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, criticized FERC's approval of the Bradwood project as "not consistent with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act.
"Simultaneously, Washington's Department of Ecology has asked federal authorities to slow down the process, saying that FERC violated the law by "failing to take a hard look at the environmental impacts of the project.".....For Complete Article, Click On Thread Title Above.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Columbia River Keeper: Call To Action - Columbia River Salmon
ACTION ALERT:URGENT -- CALL TO ACTION!Use your voice to protect Columbia River Salmon!
As many of you know, for the past several months the Water Resources Department (WRD) has been considering an application from NorthernStar/Bradwood Landing to take 15 Billion Gallons of water from the Columbia River in it's first year.
The WRD will also be responsible for issuing permits for the continual use of 12 Billion gallons of water during every year of Bradwood LNG operation. As a part of that application the Oregon Department of Fish &Wildlife must make a determination on the impact of that water right to fish in the affected area of the river.
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) is poised and ready to claim that NorthernStar's removal of billions of gallons of water will not have a detrimental impact to fish. They are making this evaluation based on inadequate information about the method by which that water will be screened in an area that is crucial habitat for salmon.
The information provided to ODFW is the same information currently being challenged by the State of Oregon, State of Washington, Columbia Riverkeeper and Columbia Inter-Tribal Fish Commission as being incomplete in the EIS for Bradwood Landing.
The possibility of this move by the ODFW is completely out of sync with Governor Kulongoski and the State of Oregon that is petitioning for a rehearing by FERC based on the fact that the analysis done for this project is incomplete.
Please read the attached action alert and sample email and contact the ODFW and Michael Carrier today! They could make this decision at any time within the next couple of weeks and they need to hear from you!Contact information for key decision makers is included here -- for a sample email and additional information please see the attached document titled "Urgent_ODFW_Alert(2)".
Contact:
Michael Carrier, Governor's Natural Resources Director:
michael.carrier@state.or.us, (503) 986-6525
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife:
Roy Elicker, Director, roy.elicker@state.or.us, (503)947-6044
Chris Kern, Assistant Fisheries Manager, j.chris.ken@state.or.us, (971)673-6031
Jill Zarnowitz, Water Policy Coordinator, jill.zarnowitz@state.or.us, (503)947-6092
As many of you know, for the past several months the Water Resources Department (WRD) has been considering an application from NorthernStar/Bradwood Landing to take 15 Billion Gallons of water from the Columbia River in it's first year.
The WRD will also be responsible for issuing permits for the continual use of 12 Billion gallons of water during every year of Bradwood LNG operation. As a part of that application the Oregon Department of Fish &Wildlife must make a determination on the impact of that water right to fish in the affected area of the river.
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) is poised and ready to claim that NorthernStar's removal of billions of gallons of water will not have a detrimental impact to fish. They are making this evaluation based on inadequate information about the method by which that water will be screened in an area that is crucial habitat for salmon.
The information provided to ODFW is the same information currently being challenged by the State of Oregon, State of Washington, Columbia Riverkeeper and Columbia Inter-Tribal Fish Commission as being incomplete in the EIS for Bradwood Landing.
The possibility of this move by the ODFW is completely out of sync with Governor Kulongoski and the State of Oregon that is petitioning for a rehearing by FERC based on the fact that the analysis done for this project is incomplete.
Please read the attached action alert and sample email and contact the ODFW and Michael Carrier today! They could make this decision at any time within the next couple of weeks and they need to hear from you!Contact information for key decision makers is included here -- for a sample email and additional information please see the attached document titled "Urgent_ODFW_Alert(2)".
Contact:
Michael Carrier, Governor's Natural Resources Director:
michael.carrier@state.or.us, (503) 986-6525
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife:
Roy Elicker, Director, roy.elicker@state.or.us, (503)947-6044
Chris Kern, Assistant Fisheries Manager, j.chris.ken@state.or.us, (971)673-6031
Jill Zarnowitz, Water Policy Coordinator, jill.zarnowitz@state.or.us, (503)947-6092
Columbia River Keeper: LNG Front Updates
Hello All:This is the third update to be sent-out over our communications list for folks who are interested in LNG and related pipeline developments in the Pacific NW. The intention of this list is to keep folks all over the region updated on LNG proposals and the growing movement of opposition to this development and related pipeline proposals in Oregon and Southern Washington. Welcome to our updater and thanks for your interest! If you would like to get more actively involved you may be able to attend one of our many monthly organizational meetings. To find out how to get more involved contact Olivia Schmidt at oliviariver@gmail.com or by phone at (971) 533-2390 and she can help you tap-in to this vital movement away from fossil fuel and toward a renewable energy future.Below you will find important action alerts, news items and notices for upcoming events.______________________________________________________
IN THE NEWS:
We have been all over the news in the last month and I am including here 5 key news items for folks to check out.
1) On September 16th we won the Clatsop County Pipeline Referendum with a NO vote! It was a huge victory for our coalition which won by a margin of 2:1 in this crucial election. The effect of that vote was two-fold. On one hand it demonstrated the true and staggering public opposition to LNG and associated pipelines -- a fact noticed by many Oregon Legislators. At the same time, because the voters of Clatsop County overturned one of the land use changes made by Clatsop County Commissioners, the referendum effectively invalidated the Land Use Compatibility Statement that Bradwood Landing is required to provide in order to obtain key state permits. In addition to the impact to permits and government leaders, the time and financial cost spent by Bradwood Landing/NorthernStar made this campaign very effective. Thanks to all of you who participated, volunteered and donated to that particular effort!
2) On September 18th, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted a conditional permit to Bradwood Landing (proposed by Texas-based NorthernStar Natural Gas). This was an action that our entire coalition expected and that permit was met by strong opposition by members of our coalition as well as the State of Oregon and Washington. Governor Kulongoski and Governor Gregoire have strongly criticized FERC for issuing a permit based on a gravely inadequate Environmental Impact Statement and both states have promised to file a Petition for Rehearing and follow that with litigation if it is not granted by FERC. Columbia Riverkeeper and Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (among others) are also filing petition for rehearing based on the incompleteness of the EIS for that project. The issuance of the federal permit put the ball squarely in the states' court and now is our chance to demand the denial of other key permits for LNG development. With continued pressure on state agencies to rightfully deny key permits we will win this fight!
3) On September 30th, members of the Yamhill Valley OCAP and the Yamhill County LNG Citizens Advisory Committee organized and led a tour of farms and natural resources that would be impacted by proposed Palomar and Oregon LNG pipelines through their area. They were joined by members of their county commission and representatives from the offices of Rep. David Wu and Sen. Ron Wyden who listened to testimony from impacted landowners, agriculturalists and Brenna Bell of Willamette Riverkeeper. Statements made by landowners and conservationsists highlighted the economic and environmental impacts of these proposals. The event was very informative and got great news coverage. Click here to see TV News coverage of the event: http://www.portlandmediamonitor.com/clients/jack_danger_093008.html
4) On October 6th we held a massively successful rally in Olympia, Washington to draw attention to impacts to that state and to encourage Washington Governor Gregoire to follow through on promises to sue FERC in the event that a rehearing is not granted on the Bradwood Landing permit. More than 100 LNG opponents were present to support Southwestern Washington residents that would be impacted by LNG and Pipeline development and to highlight the environmental and climate change impacts of LNG. We had many great speakers at the event including Jay Manning (Director of the Department of Ecology in Washington), George Exum (Chair of Wahkiakum Friends of the River) and Gyale Kizer (President of Landowners and Citizens for a Safe Community) -- to name a few.Thanks to everyone who came out to that event -- it had a great impact and again demonstrated the diversity of our coalition that is made up of impacted landowners, student activists, farmers, conservationists and people of all ages and political affiliations!
5) On October 10th a formal application was filed to FERC by Oregon LNG. This represents a new stage in that company's permitting process. Now, FERC will begin compiling a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for that project. Many serious concerns have already been raised about the location designated for that proposal -- The Skipanon Peninsula at the mouth of the Columbia River (in the town of Warrenton, OR) is an unstable sand spit within a tsunami zone and surrounded by fault lines on all sides. Oregon LNG is a project of Leucadia National which is the Manhattan-based company that stepped in to pick up the pieces from the bankrupted Calpine Corporation that disbanded after one year of pushing it's original LNG proposal for the same site. Oregon LNG is in the early stages of its federal permitting process and will be required, like Bradwood Landing and Jordan Cove LNG, to also obtain state and local level permits.
IN THE NEWS:
We have been all over the news in the last month and I am including here 5 key news items for folks to check out.
1) On September 16th we won the Clatsop County Pipeline Referendum with a NO vote! It was a huge victory for our coalition which won by a margin of 2:1 in this crucial election. The effect of that vote was two-fold. On one hand it demonstrated the true and staggering public opposition to LNG and associated pipelines -- a fact noticed by many Oregon Legislators. At the same time, because the voters of Clatsop County overturned one of the land use changes made by Clatsop County Commissioners, the referendum effectively invalidated the Land Use Compatibility Statement that Bradwood Landing is required to provide in order to obtain key state permits. In addition to the impact to permits and government leaders, the time and financial cost spent by Bradwood Landing/NorthernStar made this campaign very effective. Thanks to all of you who participated, volunteered and donated to that particular effort!
2) On September 18th, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted a conditional permit to Bradwood Landing (proposed by Texas-based NorthernStar Natural Gas). This was an action that our entire coalition expected and that permit was met by strong opposition by members of our coalition as well as the State of Oregon and Washington. Governor Kulongoski and Governor Gregoire have strongly criticized FERC for issuing a permit based on a gravely inadequate Environmental Impact Statement and both states have promised to file a Petition for Rehearing and follow that with litigation if it is not granted by FERC. Columbia Riverkeeper and Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (among others) are also filing petition for rehearing based on the incompleteness of the EIS for that project. The issuance of the federal permit put the ball squarely in the states' court and now is our chance to demand the denial of other key permits for LNG development. With continued pressure on state agencies to rightfully deny key permits we will win this fight!
3) On September 30th, members of the Yamhill Valley OCAP and the Yamhill County LNG Citizens Advisory Committee organized and led a tour of farms and natural resources that would be impacted by proposed Palomar and Oregon LNG pipelines through their area. They were joined by members of their county commission and representatives from the offices of Rep. David Wu and Sen. Ron Wyden who listened to testimony from impacted landowners, agriculturalists and Brenna Bell of Willamette Riverkeeper. Statements made by landowners and conservationsists highlighted the economic and environmental impacts of these proposals. The event was very informative and got great news coverage. Click here to see TV News coverage of the event: http://www.portlandmediamonitor.com/clients/jack_danger_093008.html
4) On October 6th we held a massively successful rally in Olympia, Washington to draw attention to impacts to that state and to encourage Washington Governor Gregoire to follow through on promises to sue FERC in the event that a rehearing is not granted on the Bradwood Landing permit. More than 100 LNG opponents were present to support Southwestern Washington residents that would be impacted by LNG and Pipeline development and to highlight the environmental and climate change impacts of LNG. We had many great speakers at the event including Jay Manning (Director of the Department of Ecology in Washington), George Exum (Chair of Wahkiakum Friends of the River) and Gyale Kizer (President of Landowners and Citizens for a Safe Community) -- to name a few.Thanks to everyone who came out to that event -- it had a great impact and again demonstrated the diversity of our coalition that is made up of impacted landowners, student activists, farmers, conservationists and people of all ages and political affiliations!
5) On October 10th a formal application was filed to FERC by Oregon LNG. This represents a new stage in that company's permitting process. Now, FERC will begin compiling a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for that project. Many serious concerns have already been raised about the location designated for that proposal -- The Skipanon Peninsula at the mouth of the Columbia River (in the town of Warrenton, OR) is an unstable sand spit within a tsunami zone and surrounded by fault lines on all sides. Oregon LNG is a project of Leucadia National which is the Manhattan-based company that stepped in to pick up the pieces from the bankrupted Calpine Corporation that disbanded after one year of pushing it's original LNG proposal for the same site. Oregon LNG is in the early stages of its federal permitting process and will be required, like Bradwood Landing and Jordan Cove LNG, to also obtain state and local level permits.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Jim Scheller - Clatsop County Commission
I am asking you, the voters of District 2, to consider our shared hopes and dreams for the future of Clatsop County. Like you, I treasure our cultural heritage, our Columbia River, forests, beaches, and the families and institutions working to build a sustainable community. I promise responsible and thoughtful stewardship of these treasures.
For complete details click below:
http://scheller08.com/
For complete details click below:
http://scheller08.com/
Bob Goldberg - Ward 4, Astoria City Council
Bob is a teacher, writer, engineer, webmaster, actor, activist, volunteer whose goal is to provide representation for those persons and groups under-represented by the current city council, balancing the needs for growth and quality of life in our diverse community.
For more on Candidate Goldberg Click Below:
http://www.astoriabob.net/
For more on Candidate Goldberg Click Below:
http://www.astoriabob.net/
Monday, October 13, 2008
Who Is Joel Haugen?
Meet Joel
How I made it to Oregon...I grew up in Northern Minnesota, the youngest son of three children in a Scandinavian family of modest means, strong on the teaching of principles of honesty, integrity and patriotism. These core ideals were reinforced during my earliest employment, when I was fortunate enough to spend my high school years working for an extraordinary Minnesota legislator by the name of John McKee. John, who always insisted that I call him by his first name, consistently approached both life and politics with honesty, integrity and humility. One of John's pages was Wendell Anderson, who served in the Minnesota legislature and later married John's daughter Mary. Wendell subsequently served first in the Minnesota legislature, and then as governor, finally ending his political career as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota....Click On Thread Title Above For Full Details
How I made it to Oregon...I grew up in Northern Minnesota, the youngest son of three children in a Scandinavian family of modest means, strong on the teaching of principles of honesty, integrity and patriotism. These core ideals were reinforced during my earliest employment, when I was fortunate enough to spend my high school years working for an extraordinary Minnesota legislator by the name of John McKee. John, who always insisted that I call him by his first name, consistently approached both life and politics with honesty, integrity and humility. One of John's pages was Wendell Anderson, who served in the Minnesota legislature and later married John's daughter Mary. Wendell subsequently served first in the Minnesota legislature, and then as governor, finally ending his political career as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota....Click On Thread Title Above For Full Details
WSJ:Regional Personality Traits
SEPTEMBER 23, 2008
The United States of Mind
Researchers Identify Regional Personality Traits Across America
By STEPHANIE SIMON - The Wall Street Journal
Click On Thread Title For Complete Article
The United States of Mind
Researchers Identify Regional Personality Traits Across America
By STEPHANIE SIMON - The Wall Street Journal
Click On Thread Title For Complete Article
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Climate Solutions Offer Alternatives
Carbon-Free Prosperity 2025
How the Northwest Can Create Jobs, Enable Energy Independence, and Be a Global Clean-Energy LeaderMon Oct 6 2008
Carbon-Free Prosperity 2025 concludes that five emerging clean-tech industry sectors offer the Pacific Northwest one of the best opportunities for sustained economic vitality and job growth.
It also charts the course for private and public investment and leadership to capitalize on the opportunity.
The study provides a comprehensive look at emerging green industries that are projected to provide high-paying jobs and a vital new economic base for the region.
It provides a grounded and realistic view of the region’s potential role in an increasingly competitive global clean-tech industry...Click On Thread Title For Complete Article
How the Northwest Can Create Jobs, Enable Energy Independence, and Be a Global Clean-Energy LeaderMon Oct 6 2008
Carbon-Free Prosperity 2025 concludes that five emerging clean-tech industry sectors offer the Pacific Northwest one of the best opportunities for sustained economic vitality and job growth.
It also charts the course for private and public investment and leadership to capitalize on the opportunity.
The study provides a comprehensive look at emerging green industries that are projected to provide high-paying jobs and a vital new economic base for the region.
It provides a grounded and realistic view of the region’s potential role in an increasingly competitive global clean-tech industry...Click On Thread Title For Complete Article
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