Rally to oppose two Oregon LNG export projects set for May 26

Hundreds of Oregonians including farmers, ranchers, business owners, and conservationists will gather on Tuesday, May 26, at 12:00 pm at the Capitol steps in Salem, Oregon, for a rally to oppose liquefied natural gas exports throughout Oregon.

The rally will include speeches from tribal leaders, impacted landowners, and a keynote speech from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Waterkeeper Alliance President, the Coalition said in a statement.

Oregon faces two LNG export proposals–one in Coos Bay and the other on the Columbia River–coupled with associated proposals to construct hundreds of miles of new natural gas pipelines throughout Oregon and Washington.

Opposition to the LNG projects has created unusual alliances, inspiring conservative rural landowners near proposed pipelines to join forces with conservationists and climate activists, according to the statement.

During the rally, the public will call on Oregon decision-makers to use the state’s power to protect Oregon from LNG projects while supporting clean energy, healthy rivers and forests, private property rights, safe communities, and a stable climate, the statement said.

Don West, Manager of the Cannery Pier Hotel in Astoria and owner of the Astoria Crest Motel, plans to call on Governor Brown to take a firm stand against LNG exports. “The future of our community and our business—a future that creates jobs by drawing people to iconic, salmon-bearing rivers like the Columbia—depends on the State of Oregon rejecting LNG exports. I’m inspired to be one of many voices from all walks of life joining this common call for Governor Brown and state leaders to protect our home.”

“These would be the largest fossil fuel export projects on the West Coast, so we are speaking out and asking Governor Brown to help defend our state from exporting fracked gas as LNG,” said Sarah Westover, LNG Organizer of Rogue Riverkeeper. She added, “This issue impacts hundreds of families, hundreds of rivers, and the stability of our climate, and we stand united against LNG exports anywhere in Oregon.”

Concerned citizens will travel to Salem on buses and carpools from Coos, Douglas, Jackson, Clatsop, Columbia, and other counties to send a clear message to Governor Brown, state agencies, and elected officials that Pacific Northwest residents are united against LNG exports, the statement added.

Image: nolngexports.org