We’re back from a nice, long vacation from work and from any kind of connection to the internet.
So it was something of a surprise to see how much happened while we were away. Here are some highlights on stories that received widespread attention, and information on other stories that you may have missed.
FERC Still Says “Yes” To Bradwood Landing LNG
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission says it won’t reconsider its decision to approve the proposed LNG plant east of Astoria along the Columbia River. Several green groups, the states of Oregon and Washington, and some federal agencies asked for a new hearing. They say the approval process was flawed. Governor Kulongoski says he’ll file suit to overturn the ruling.
Bush Still Trying To Delist Gray Wolves
Just days before President Bush leaves office, the Interior Department announced it will delist Gray Wolves in the Rocky Mountains and Western Great Lakes. This includes wolves in Eastern Oregon and Eastern Washington. The ruling comes after a summer of important discoveries in both states. Wildlife officials in Washington have photographed a pack of wolves, with pups, in the eastern part of the state. And in Northeast Oregon, wildlife officials confirmed a pack with pups during a howling survey. As we reported earlier, Oregon officials say federal delisting will have no immediate impact on wolves in our state. They’ll still be protected under state law.
Pelican Deaths Blamed On Winter Storms
That big storm we got just before Christmas is being blamed for a massive die-off of California Brown Pelicans on the west coast. Wildlife experts believe the pelicans waited too long before migrating south and were caught off guard by the massive hit of snow and cold. While most of them started flying south, they were so badly weakened that they died before completing the journey.
Columbia River Pollution A Threat To People and Wildlife
A blunt report from the Environmental Protection Agency says the levels of four major pollutants in the Columbia River Basin are so high, they remain a threat to the health of the people, fish and wildlife that live in the region. The foul four are Mercury, DDT, PCBs and PBDE flame retardants. The EPA notes we’ve made progress in reducing PCBs and DDT, and that Osprey and Bald Eagle populations are rebounding. But it’s still not good enough. The agency says they still pose a risk in many areas. As for Mercury and PBDE, the EPA says the levels of those pollutants are increasing.
Mt. Hood Wilderness Bill Passes The Senate
Thousands of acres in Oregon will be protected as Wilderness areas thanks to a bill passed by the Senate. That includes 126,000 acres around Mt. Hood, 30,000 acres for the Badlands Wilderness near Bend, plus more than 80 miles of Oregon rivers will become part of the Wild and Scenic River system. The breakthrough came when supporters came up with enough votes to end a filibuster. It now goes to the House where earlier versions of the bill were already approved. It’s worth noting that this legislation has received bipartisan support in the state.
Big Look Task Force Issues Final Report
After Measure 37 was passed in 2004, Governor Kulongoski and the Legislature created what was called the Big Look Task Force. Its job: update the state’s system of land use and development laws. M37 was a warning shot that many in Oregon aren’t exactly in love with the state’s restrictions on development in rural and suburban areas.
The task force’s final report says Oregon’s system needs to be more flexible and allow for more regional differences. Rural officials argue that planning rules which make sense for the Willamette Valley, often don’t make sense east of the Cascades. The report also says land use laws have become too complex and should be simplified, and that cities and counties need to be encouraged to do more regional planning.
And If The Columbia River Water Doesn’t Kill You…
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality says it’s going back to Lebanon to do more testing of water wells. Last year, it found 8 wells were contaminated with levels of industrial solvents that exceeded state and federal standards. The wells belong to home owners who are not connected to the city’s water supply. The new tests will help DEQ determine how widespread the problem is. Meanwhile, residents are getting free bottled water to drink until a long term solution can be found.
