Oregon's estuaries need protection.
All our waterways are connected. Whether that is by interconnecting creeks or groundwater, eventually every watershed empties out into the ocean, and the Rogue River is no different. Rogue Riverkeeper relies on the power of the Clean Water Act to protect the water quality of the Rogue River, but many other state laws are integral to our advocacy efforts as well. House Bill (HB) 3382 would essentially eliminate land use planning requirements in the state's deepwater ports in Coos Bay, Yaquina Bay, Astoria, and Portland. Although these estuaries are not within the Rogue River watershed, it was land use planning laws that allowed us to block the development of the Jordan Cove LNG terminal proposed for Coos Bay’s North Spit.
The mouth of Coos Bay. Photo by Alex Derr.
The vacuum left behind by Pembina, the Canadian fossil fuel company, when they abandoned the Jordan Cove LNG terminal project has left other developers eager to step into their place. HB 3382 was introduced by the Oregon Ports Associate solely in an attempt to sidestep regulations that exist to protect the environment from over development. Laws exist to protect our community and our environment; private companies should not be able to alter environmental regulations to suit their own needs and commercial agendas. The massive dredging that is being attempted in the Coos Bay estuary should have to withstand scrutiny under the land use planning system just like any other development project. If we allow this bill to continue, it will set a dangerous precedent for weakening other environmental protection laws.
The bill was introduced just before the deadline for submitting bills this session and began moving quickly, indicating that proponents had been setting this up behind the scenes. A hearing before the legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation was held on short notice in mid-March. You can track public hearings, committee work sessions, and testify on the Oregon Legislative Information site. You can send a direct letter to the Senate Committee on Transportation to urge them to oppose this bill here.