Park Service Backs Expansion of Oregon Caves
The National Park Service is endorsing a major expansion of the Oregon Caves National Monument. Under legislation before Congress, the monument size would increase almost ten times, from 480 acres to more than 4,500. The bill is sponsored by Senators Wyden and Merkley. From the Medford Mail Tribune.
Southwest Oregon Asking For More Money To Fight Tree Disease
Five counties in the southwest part of the state say Oregon needs to put more money into the fight against Sudden Oak Death. They say if the disease progresses too far, it could do serious damage to forest and nursery businesses. The virus has been spreading north from California. From the Curry Coastal Pilot.
Problems Mount For Ethanol Plant In Boardman
In a new filing, Pacific Ethanol says it may default on a $1.9 million payment due December 1. The company hopes to be able to defer payment, but doesn’t say what will happen if it can’t. It also reports more than $65 million in losses as of September 30, but that’s down considerably from a year ago. From the East Oregonian.
County Says Rules For Wind Farms Are Unfair
Umatilla is the only county in Oregon with an EGA, and they’re not happy about. EGA stands for “energy generation area”. Umatilla County’s EGA is a 400,000 acre section of land where the state has more control over the siting of wind farms. As a result, county officials say wind developers are staying away. From the East Oregonian.
