Roseburg Rally against Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline approval in Douglas Co., May 13

News release from Stacy McLaughlin. Douglas County Landowners and residents of Oregon will be gathering Wednesday moring on the courthouse steps, May 13 at 8:30 a.m., rallying against Douglas County’s approval of the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. If approved, the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline will transport natural gas to the proposed Jordan Cove Project in Coos Bay, where it will be converted to LNG and exported to competing economic interests to the U.S., throughout Asia. Landowner Stacey McLaughlin stated, “We want to be very clear that governmental disregard of the hearts and will of the people, known climate science and trampling private property rights in favor of corporate profit and greed will not stand in the Umpqua Valley.” Clatsop County Commissioners said NO, to a liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipeline that would threaten public safety and improperly harm protected rivers and farmland, Douglas County Commissioners said YES. County Planning Director Keith Cubic fought hard against property owners and convinced Commissioners they had to go along with the pipeline. Landowners said Douglas County must protect the Coastal Zone Management Area. Now the State Land Use Board of Appeals has ruled County Commissioners can indeed say NO and supported the Clatsop County decision not to issue a permit for a high-pressured natural gas pipeline. McLaughlin stated, “We have the authority to positively impact climate change and we are exercising that power. We cannot ignore that methane emissions from fracking are creating a greater overall greenhouse gas impact than previously understood. It is a myth that natural gas is a clean energy.” “The threat of eminent domain, the taking of private property for corporate profits is another serious threat facing Oregonians, according to Clarence Adams of Landowners United. Many of Oregon’s private property owners have vowed, they will do whatever it takes, to prevent Williams Pacific Connector from constructing a 36” high pressure natural gas pipeline through their lands.” The grassroots efforts of Umpqua Valley landowners, along with numerous environmental organizations are involved in extensive efforts to prevent the exploitation of Southern Oregon communities.