Blue-Green Allies Oppose LNG--Where do the candidates stand?

Texas-based energy speculator NorthernStar Natural Gas proposes to build what would be the first Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) import and storage terminal on the west coast United States about an hour from Astoria on the Oregon bank of the Columbia River. This has sparked a “blue-green” alliance which is close to becoming an issue-based movement. It includes local folks, fisheries interests, environmental groups, and others concerned with the economic and environmental policies of the proposal. They plan a rally and Lobby Day in Salem this Wednesday (Rally from 11 am - 2pm at the Capitol steps).

Unlike many other federal projects, 3 elected Oregon officers actually have a decisive role in siting the plant. They should go on record where they stand.

The Columbia River shoreline is part of what are called “state lands” (in this case along a navigable waterway), and the otherwise unwatched and low-key State Lands Board of Oregon has an approval role, along with federal regulators.

The State Land Board has 3 members, the Governor, Secretary of State and the State Treasurer. Gov. Kulongoski says he’ll support siting the LNG. SoS Bradbury is opposed. No one has heard from Treasurer Randy Edwards. But Edwards and Bradbury will be out of office next January.

I attended one debate among the SoS candidates, but the question of where they stand on the LNG did not come up. Nor has Treasurer candidate Ben Westlund spoken out.

Anyone know their positions on this important environmental/energy question?