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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (April 7, 2016)
community news Citizens Hear Update on Oregon LNG Project continued from front page Columbia Riverkeeper’s Dan Serres, who has worked to organize local oppo- sition to both the pipeline and the termi- nal portions of the project, updated the gathering in Vernonia about the current status of the project which has been in the planning stages for almost twenty years. The biggest news Serres had to report was the surprising decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on March 11 to deny a similar project at Jordan Cove in southern Oregon because the negative impacts to local landowners and communities outweighed any purported benefit from the project. Serres characterized FERC’s decision as “stunning,” stating, “This spells big, big trouble for both these projects.” Serres noted that FERC has never previously denied this type of project. “FERC has always been considered a rubber stamp,” he said. “Oregon LNG has the same problems as Jordan Cove, along with the very dramatically huge impact on a very sensitive part of the Columbia River.” According to Serres, the FERC final decision on Jordan Cove was unusual because it disagreed with the recommendation to approve the project that was published in the Environmental Impact Statement that FERC produced based on input from numerous state and federal regulatory agencies. “A bunch of land owners banded together and told FERC they didn’t want the project and FERC looked at the Environmental Impact Statement and said ‘that’s wrong, we’re persuaded by what these people have told us,’’’ said Serres. “It’s just a huge victory for all the people that have been living with the threat of this project for a decade. This showed that landowners, by standing their ground, can have a huge impact in this process.” Serres also discussed the very important decision on March 8 by an impartial land use expert, hired by the City of Warrenton to determine whether the Oregon LNG project met Warren- ton’s local land use codes. “This is really important because it’s a prerequisite to meeting the state’s overall coast zoning laws,” explained Serres. “Without that local approval, Oregon LNG can’t get the state’s approval.” Serres said the judgement clearly found that the project would locally harm fish and the estuary and would disrupt fishing. “We were pleasantly surprised by this really important decision which shows that Oregon LNG is really faltering, even at the terminal site.” Serres noted that Oregon LNG has already appealed this decision. A Land Use Hearing will be held in Warrenton on May 4. In addition, Serres reminded the crowd that the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners has already denied permits for the pipeline to cross their territory. Following Serres’ update, new Columbia Riverkeeper staff member Elizabeth Chiaravalli led a discussion about additional action steps the local community in Vernonia might take to draw attention to, and increase awareness about, the LNG pipeline project. In addition, Ken Adee, a former Forest Service employee with experience working with GIS and map making, explained several maps of the pipeline route that he has voluntarily created to help activists tell the story of the pipeline and terminal projects. SAFE, The Amani Center, and other agencies hold community events in April SAFE is calling on community programs and businesses and individu- als to participate in #DenimTuesday, a global awareness effort that promotes wearing jeans to work or school on Tuesdays in April as a stand against rape myths. April 29, Columbia County’s Child and Family Development programs will host an Early Learning Fair at Sunset Park Community Church in St. Helens from 10 am – 2 pm. The Early Learning Fair is an opportunity for parents of young children, prenatal to age five to learn about local services. In collaboration with the Early Learning Fair, a Columbia County Health and Education screening fair will be offered at the same time to children ages 2-5. The following screenings will be conducted: Developmental, Hearing, School Readiness, Speech, Vision, and Nutrition. Wrapping up Child Abuse Prevention Month, The Amani Center will host its annual Race Against Child Abuse on April 30, at 8:00 am in Columbia View Park in St. Helens. Amani Center is accepting registrations right now at www.amanicenter.org for April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month Every April, Columbia County agencies join together to spotlight the issues and intersections of child abuse and sexual assault. These forms of violence are linked by destructive social norms, family experiences, and systems of oppression. Without the kinds of supportive interventions these agencies provide, the cycle of violence is perpetuated across generations. You too can share in the healing and hope that Amani Center and SAFE are helping to bring to Columbia County. All April-long, local retailers will be promoting the Blue Ribbon Campaign, in which ribbons can be purchased to show your support of, and help pay for, child abuse assessments performed by The Amani Center. Local Head Starts and other agencies will take part in Oregon Children’s Trust Fund’s Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign, a show of awareness and support of child abuse prevention efforts. continued on page 15 april7 2016 7 Cycle Columbia County Announces “Columbia Century Challenge” Bike Event Cycle Columbia County has announced that they will be bringing a century plus and a metric century plus bicycle ride/event to Columbia County on June 18, 2016. Columbia County features some great, bicycle-friendly backroads, from rolling roads through the old Oregon timberlands to farm roads through the open fields and pastures along the Columbia River, plus the unpaved historic Crown-Zellerbach trail (12 miles of which will be featured on the ride). Add charming rural towns, and you have the perfect backdrop for a fun and epic bike ride that has the potential to become an instant classic! The “Columbia Century Challenge,” will start and finish in St. Helens. The Century Plus, a 110 mile ride, will visit Vernonia, Mist, Clatskanie, Rainier and Columbia City. The Metric Plus, a 72 mile ride, will travel to Vernonia and return to Highway 30 via Apiary Road. The “Columbia Century Challenge” was organized by a local team of cycling enthusiasts excited about bringing an event to Columbia County that will have a positive impact on all of the surrounding communities. The team is also committed to ensuring a positive ride experience from start to finish. This bicycle ride will be fully supported with aid/feed stations spaced approximately 15 miles apart. Free mechanical support, free off street parking near the start/finish line and much more. For more information on the ride or how to volunteer, go to www. CycleColumbiaCounty.com P.E.O. members are busy preparing for the second annual Tea Party, to be held this year at the Cabin in Vernonia on May 14, 2016, at 1:00 pm. Women and girls of all ages are invited to attend. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for children under 12 years of age. All proceeds will be used to provide college scholarships for women. Last year’s gala was a huge success, well attended by adults and children who seemed to enjoy the festivities (especially the little girls who came dressed in Easter finery and big smiles). There will be something for everybody again this year, with activities including musical entertainment, sandwiches, and desserts, and door prizes. Tickets for the drawings will be $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. So, Ladies, plan to join us for the party. Bring along daughters, moms, grandmas, and granddaughters. You may dress in your “Sunday best” for the occasion if you like. P.E.O. is looking forward to having fun with friends while adding to our educational funds to help women further their education. P.E.O. Tea Party
