DEQ Meets On Bradwood Landing In Knappa March 3, 2010

At this meeting, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality will provide current information about environmental permits that will be required for the proposed Bradwood Landing Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal and Pipeline project.

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From Columbia Riverkeeper; Oregon DEQ. Rejects Demands of NorthernStar LNG And 15 Other States File Amicus Brief Supporting Oregon's NSNG Lawsuit

Amicus Curiae Brief
Definition: Latin term meaning "friend of the court". The name for a brief filed with the court by someone who is not a party to the case.
"... a phrase that literally means "friend of the court" -- someone who is not a party to the litigation, but who believes that the court's decision may affect its interest." William H. Rehnquist, The Supreme Court, page 89.

Oregon Rejects Demands of NorthernStar LNG, 15 Other States File Amicus Brief Supporting Oregon’s Lawsuit Against NorthernStar
For Immediate Release:

Friday, February 19, 2010

Brett VandenHeuvel, Director, Columbia Riverkeeper – 503 348 2436

Dan Serres, Conservation Director, Columbia Riverkeeper - 503 890-2441
Portland, OR - NorthernStar’s proposed Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal suffered two serious setbacks that may endanger the project.

First, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) released a letter today Rejecting NorthernStar’s demand that DEQ issue permits in 2010.

“We are very pleased that the DEQ has clearly signaled its commitment to good science and sound process. The construction of an LNG terminal on the Columbia River would significantly impact our state’s land, air, water, and public safety,” stated Brian Pasko, Director of the Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club.

The LNG terminal has suffered multi-year setbacks as state and federal agencies have asked for complete and accurate data on the project’s harm to salmon and impact to the Columbia River Estuary. NorthernStar, who recently stated they planned to start construction in 2010, demanded that DEQ issue permits within months. DEQ rejected these unusual demands.

DEQ’s February 17, 2010, letter states, “[NorthernStar’s] three principal demands are that DEQ: (1) drop its request for three-dimensional modeling,” (2) approve the project “without the benefit” of a consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service, and (3) “agree to issue its certification by July 2010.” DEQ rejected each demand and said that NorthernStar would either provide the requested data and extend the permitting timeline or DEQ’s “decision will likely lead to a denial of certification.”

Brett VandenHeuvel, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, responded to DEQ’s letter. “NorthernStar’s demands indicate desperation. DEQ rejected these demands and has indicated that it’s willing to deny the project.”

In a second significant blow to the project, the Attorney Generals of fifteen other states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Ohio, filed an amicus brief against Bradwood LNG in a lawsuit challenging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) approval of the Bradwood project. The amicus brief supports Oregon’s position that Oregon has authority to deny the LNG terminals.

The amicus brief, filed by Joseph R. Biden III of Delaware, Martha Coakley of Massachusettes, and James “Buddy” Caldwell of Louisiana, among others, supports the arguments of Oregon , Washington, the Nez Perce Tribe, Columbia Riverkeeper, and other organizations.

“We’re thrilled that so many other states, along with Oregon and Washington, recognize the problems with the Bradwood application,” stated Scott Jerger from Field Jerger LLP, who represents Columbia Riverkeeper and other organizations.

An amicus or “friends of the court” brief may be submitted by non-parties who believe the issues in the case are so important that their interests are effected.

Ted Sickinger - The Oregonian: Oregon's LNG Terminal Futures Dependent On Global Market

Oregon Business News
Ted Sickinger - The Oregonian
January 23, 2010

Five years after energy developers started sniffing around Oregon as a likely spot to build an import terminal for liquefied natural gas, the air has come flooding out of the gas market like a whoopee cushion, making such proposals sound economically reckless.

With a worldwide recession in full swing, there's LNG to be had. More cargoes are expected to land this year in the U.S. -- the industry's market of last resort -- even though demand is low and gas prices have cratered.

Read Sickinger's Full Article

Oregon Senate Bill 1020 - They Gonna Try Again In 2010 Special Session?

SUMMARY
The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the measure and is not a part of the body thereof subject
to consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor’s brief statement of the essential features of the
measure as introduced.
Deletes definition of “applicant” for purposes of certain provisions related to removal-fill permitting
program.
Declares emergency, effective on passage.
A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to the removal-fill permitting program; creating new provisions; amending ORS 196.825; and
declaring an emergency.
Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

It's Dead!, Dead!, Dead!......For Now!

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An Essay By Ted Thomas: The Impact Of Wal-Mart On Communities

The Social Impacts: "The supporters of the proposal frequently express their subscription to the idea that the benefits of a Walmart will outweigh the costs to the community. That somehow the perception alone of low prices will draw more people to our area and so recapture consumer's spending that is otherwise lost to Longview or Portland".......

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Dow Jones Online: Shale Gas Boom Stymies LNG Import Terminal Plans!

By Christine Buurma - DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- A surge in domestic U.S. natural-gas supplies is stalling ambitious plans for a raft of liquefied natural-gas import terminals along the country's coastlines........

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NOAA: Port Of Bellingham Protest Of Lease Award To Port Of Newport Upheld Says GAO Letter

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The End Result On Measures 66 & 67

SUMMARY REPORT SPECIAL ELECTION RUN DATE:01/26/10 10:55 PM
THIRD UNOFFICIAL REPORT CLATSOP COUNTY, OR.
JANUARY 26, 2010

PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 33) . . . . . 33 - 100.00%
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . 20,636
BALLOTS COUNTED - TOTAL. . . . . . 13,100
VOTER TURNOUT - TOTAL . . . . . . 63.48%
Measure 66
Raises tax on household income above $250,000
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,308 - 56.10%
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,719 - 43.90%
Measure 67
Raises $10 corporate minimum tax
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,133 - 54.90%
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,860 - 45.10%

LNG Tanker Terrorism: The Video Clatsop County Manager Duane Cole Refuses To Let Into The Debate?

So says Don West in his Daily Astorian Letter to the Editor Read The Letter Then Watch The Video Linked Below

GRP: And Why Not? Why Withhold Valid Information From The Citizens Of Clatsop County And By Whose Authority Is Cole Charged With Doing So?


Title: Concerns over LNG shipments in Everett
Published: Thu, 31 Dec 2009
Description: (NECN: Scot Yount, Everett, Mass.) - A tanker of liquefied natural gas at port in Everett, Massachusetts. In the wake of 9/11, this very ship the Matthew, was denied entry to the port of Boston because it was deemed too dangerous, the threat o...

Watch Video

Enviro Groups Seek Rehearing Of Coos Bay LNG Port

Enviros seek rehearing of Coos Bay LNG port

Associated Press - KDRV.com

January 19, 2010

GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- Some environmental groups are joining the state of Oregon in asking federal regulators to reconsider approval for a liquefied natural gas port on Coos Bay and a related pipeline to the California border.

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Scott Brown Wins Mass, Special Election Senate Race!

From: "The Fix" - Washington Post.com

Chris Cilliza - January 19, 2010

State Sen. Scott Brown won a remarkable upset victory over state Attorney General Martha Coakley (D) tonight in a Massachusetts Senate special election, a victory likely to spawn broad-ranging political and policy consequences heading into the midterm elections.

"Tonight the independent voice of Massachusetts has spoken," Brown said to raucuous cheers at his victory rally

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City Of Astoria Eligible For H.U.D. 2010 Community Development Block Grant - Hearing Date Set

The City of Astoria is eligible to apply for a 2010 Community Development Block Grant from the Oregon Business Development Department.

Community Development Block Grant Funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The grants can be used for public facilities and housing improvements, primarily for persons with low and moderate incomes.

Approximately $14 million will be awarded to qualified Oregon cities.


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National Weather Service North Coast Weather Watch

National Weather Service Severe Weather Alerts

Cathlamet Mayor Weighs-In On LNG Debate And Discloses Public Employee Signing Agreement And Others Involved With NSNG Activities

From: Wahkiakum County Eagle Newspaper

"To The Eagle:

I am writing to clarify aspects of your coverage of the Town Council’s LNG “debate” published in The Eagle’s 12/24 issue. First, my position is that the Town of Cathlamet should monitor the ongoing negotiations between Wahkiakum County and NorthernStar, the Texas-based organization that plans to construct a LNG facility several miles from Cathlamet -- not become a signatory to any agreement they might make.

Second, we must stay well-informed because the issues under negotiation could potentially impact our town’s waterfront, require zoning changes and render our 2006 Master Plan obsolete. Given that, it seems appropriate for town leaders, including the mayor and council members, to monitor developments proactively so as not to be caught off guard."

* Cathlamet Deputy Fire Chief signs a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Northern Star Natural Gas?
* Members of the Cathlamet fire department, funded by NorthernStar, have over the past three years undergone LNG fire training.
* Town Councilor David Goodroe, the current Executive Director of the Lower Columbia Economic Development Council, said at a meeting that the LCEDC has for several years discussed with NorthernStar and other parties a plan to base armed escort/security vessels in the Elochoman Marina and place LNG escort tugboats elsewhere on Cathlamet’s waterfront.

Read Full Letter To The Editor

October, 2009 - Northern Star Natural Gas Attempts To Float A Securities Services Agreement With Wahkiakum County Board Of Commissioners

Citizens: Investigate potential LNG security pact liabilities for 8 - 10 security jobs manned by Wahkiakum County Sheriff Officers.

Published on Thu, Oct 1, 2009 by Rick Nelson - The Wahkiakum County Eagle

"Tread carefully", That's the message a group of citizens gave the Wahkiakum County board of commissioners for their negotiation of a security services agreement with NorthernStar Natural Gas LLC.

"Island resident George Exum asked if the public would be able to review the proposed agreement prior to the commissioners voting on it.Commissioners and Garrett agreed the public could examine the agreement, with classified sections blacked out.In response to a question, Garrett said the facility is licensed as a receiving facility and would not be retrofitted to export natural gas. "We've offered to sign a letter that we'll not do that," he said."

"Commissioner Marsyla commented that she feels the potential of 8-10 jobs is "huge." "I truly will be really sad if this plant goes in and those 10 jobs end up in Columbia County and there are none here," she said. "I agree we need to look at the contract."

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The Basic Voter Facts On The January 26, 2010 Vote On Measures 66 & 67

So, How Are You Going To Vote On These Issues?
The Basic Voter Facts On Measures 66 & 67

LUBA Rejects Opponent "Public Input" Challenges To Clatsop County's Land Use Review On Proposed Bradwood Landing Project By Texas Based, Northern Star

LUBA REJECTS CHALLENGE TO BRADWOOD REMAND RECORD

The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals has rejected a challenge filed by Bradwood Landing LNG opponents against the public input process on Clatsop County’s land-use review of the proposed liquefied natural gas project.

"While LUBA rejected opponents’ objection to the redaction of evidence, the panel, in the same ruling, also turned down an objection filed by NorthernStar claiming that some new evidence was allowed into the record of the remand hearing, in violation of the board of commissioner’s pre-hearing policy."

Read Clatsop County Press Release

Fragile Recovery On Horizon For Housing

By Chris Arnold - NPR News
December 31, 2009

Housing has been an albatross around the economy's neck, dragging it down over the past couple of years. Although there are still some big problems, there also are signs of life — along with a sense of hope that the market is starting to pull out of this historic crash.

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Court Tosses Port of Astoria's Latest LNG Move!!!

By CASSANDRA PROFITA - The Daily Astorian

The Port of Astoria has tried and failed once again to get Oregon LNG's lawsuit against the agency thrown out of U.S. District Court.

According to court records, Magistrate Judge John Jelderks denied the Port's second motion to dismiss the company's breach of contract suit this week.

Read Cassandra Profita's Report

The Marine Highway Bill 2009

"By Savannah Morning News

MUCH HAS been made over the need to renew America's highway infrastructure, with attention mainly focused on better facilitating interstate commerce.

Largely absent from the national conversation has been the idea of reviving an obvious alternative to land-based transportation: Coastal shipping."


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