A broad coalition of citizen groups celebrated today as NorthernStar Natural Gas suspended its attempt to build the Bradwood liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the Columbia River, near Astoria, Oregon. Facing huge opposition from farm, fishing, forest, and environmental groups, Bradwood LNG’s announcement generated swift reaction from people throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. NW Natural’s Palomar Pipeline was proposed to connect to the Bradwood LNG terminal, although the company maintains that the pipeline is still needed.
Brett VandenHeuvel, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, explained the significance of the groups’ victory over the Bradwood LNG project. “LNG has no place in Oregon. This is a tremendous victory for family farmers, fisherman, and Columbia River salmon. This is proof that Oregonians will fight to protect our resources and our livelihoods.”
According to a NW Natural statement released this morning, “NW Natural learned late yesterday that NorthernStar Natural Gas, the company developing the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal along the Columbia River, has decided to suspend work on their project, and they notified us that they intend to file for bankruptcy protection. Palomar Gas Holdings, of which NW Natural is a fifty percent owner, is evaluating the impact of NorthernStar’s decision on the development of the west segment of the Palomar project.“
Farmers threatened by the proposed LNG pipelines rejoiced after hearing that Bradwood LNG had suspended its project. “Thousands of us have been living under a cloud of having our farms condemned for these wrong-headed LNG schemes. We look forward to being able to work our lands without interference from LNG speculators,” said Steve Wick, a Yamhill County filbert grower.
Now, more than ever we can tell NW Natural to follow the lead of Bradwood LNG on this decision, and cancel the Palomar pipeline. It is time to mobilize!
Join the Rally at the NW Natural Shareholder Meeting on May 27 to send a clear and LOUD message to the company: PALOMAR: BAD FOR BUSINESS, BAD FOR OREGON!!!
