2008-039: Opposing LNG Terminals

RESOLUTION 2008-039

A RESOLUTION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON

WHEREAS, Northern Star, LLC, has proposed a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal at Bradwood Landing and Oregon LNG at Warrenton on the Columbia River, and

WHEREAS, Jordan Cove Energy Project, L.P. has proposed a LNG terminal at Coos Bay and Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline has proposed a 231 mile 36" pipeline from Coos Bay to near the California border, and

WHEREAS, the 2005 Federal Energy Bill taking away siting authority from the states and localities and giving it to FERC puts at risk the rights of individuals to be free from government interference and to keep and enjoy their private property, and

WHEREAS, importing LNG, a foreign fossil fuel, would not contribute to Oregon's goal of using 25% renewable energy by the year 2012, and

WHEREAS, the environmental damage caused by building these terminals and pipelines will have a harmful effect on Oregon rivers, streams, estuaries, beaches, forests, wilderness areas, wildlife and air quality, and

WHEREAS, a disaster at one of these terminals or pipelines would have a significant impact on Oregon's financial resources as well as on Federal disaster relief funds, and

WHEREAS, Clatsop, Columbia, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine and Washington counties' Democratic Central Committees have all passed Resolutions and/or Platform Planks opposing LNG projects in their counties, and

WHEREAS, Secretary of State Bill Bradbury has publicly stated that "LNG is a dirty fuel that adds to the greenhouse gases we're putting into the environment" and that LNG would take Oregon "180 degrees in the wrong direction."

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:

1. We commend Governor Kulongoski, Secretary of State Bradbury, U.S. Senators Wyden and Smith and U.S. Congressmen Blumenauer, DeFazio, Hooley, and Wu for their leadership in demanding that FERC halt all LNG projects in Oregon pending a complete programmatic review and needs assessment.

2. We call on Congressperson Walden and members of the Oregon legislature to do everything in their power to stop all LNG projects in Oregon.

Submitted by Dean Byers, 4th Congressional Delegate to the State PRC
Passed by the Democratic Party of Oregon Central Committee April 12, 2008