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2 officials meet, get money from gas lobby

Commissioners - Critics of a pipeline through Clackamas County are infuriated

April 30, 2008
PETER ZUCKERMAN
The Oregonian

Two of Clackamas County's three commissioners have privately met with natural gas lobbyists and accepted industry campaign contributions, infuriating critics who consider a proposed pipeline an environmental disaster.

Opponents say commissioners should meet with residents affected by the project, hold public hearings and find out what the people they represent think about the pipeline proposal.

The commissioners said they're listening to their constituents and understand their concerns but want to see a more complete project proposal and gather more information from federal officials and others before taking a position.

The 211-mile Palomar liquefied natural gas line would run through northwest Oregon, cutting a freewaywide path through 63 miles of public and private land in Clackamas County. Gas officials say the pipeline would create jobs, boost the economy and provide Oregonians with needed energy.

The commissioners have received dozens of letters from pipeline opponents, in tones ranging from frustration to outrage, asking for the commissioners to put the pipeline on their agenda.

"If there is another explanation why you have continued to ignore our requests for a meeting, we would be grateful and eager for a response," wrote Molalla residents Susan Hansen and Randy Hironimus in one of dozens of letters sent to the commissioners. "Otherwise, it is apparent that some, or all, of the Clackamas County Commission is completely bought and sold by special interests."

Douglas County and the cities of Molalla and Forest Grove have passed resolutions opposing the project, and critics want Clackamas County to follow suit.

But that's like passing a resolution about the war in Iraq -- it wouldn't change much, Commissioner Bill Kennemer said. The commissioners have asked officials from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which oversees the project, to meet with residents, but no arrangement has been made.

Kennemer is one of two commissioners who accepted campaign contributions from industry lobbyists. The Natural Gas Political Action Committee, funded with $175,000 from the Northwest Natural Gas Co., gave him $500. Commissioner Martha Schrader accepted $250.

Both said the contributions would not affect their decisions.

"I take money from anyone and I'm beholden to no one," Schrader said, adding: "I'm not sure how much we can do" to address critics' concerns. "We're trying. We really are."

The third member of the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners, Lynn Peterson, hasn't received campaign contributions or met with gas lobbyists. She described herself as skeptical of the project and said she plans to talk with residents about how the board might work with them.

"I'm trying to be respectful of what the majority of the board wants to do while doing the will of the citizens," she said.

Peter Zuckerman: 503-294-5919; peterzuckerman @news.oregonian.com

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