Bob Phillips
December 26, 2006

Comments (0) Print Email Subscribe

My family has been in Oregon since 1850. I am 48 years old and own a farm in Douglas County. I have never written a letter to the editor or any other forum, but felt compelled on this issue.

Big energy and big oil are knocking on Oregon’s door. Permit applications for the placement of an import terminal and high pressure 36-inch gas line will be filed the first of the year. The proposed terminal location is the Port of Coos Bay. The gas line will run 223 miles under rivers and over mountains to the California border. This project is being pushed by an out-of-state utility and backed by money oil companies took from you. The record profits oil giants have enjoyed over the last decade have, in part, been used to lobby Congress and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). They slipped a provision into the 2005 energy bill to suspend state authority in these matters. Congressmen Greg Walden and Gordon Smith voted for it, all of our other representatives opposed it. They are seeking to do this as quietly as possible because what they are doing will not stand the light of day.

The importation of natural gas is expensive and will allow big oil to manipulate supplies and prices. Ratepayers will ultimately be at the mercy of the same forces that have brought you high gas prices and record oil profits. It also allows them unhealthy leverage in undermining attempts at energy independence. This will affect ratepayers across the board, business and private alike. Once the investments have been made and the infrastructure is in place, it establishes a direction for Oregon’s energy future. This spells more of the same — they lie, you pay.

It is my contention that something with such far-reaching implications would require a healthy public dialogue. Questions need to be answered.

Is the pipeline necessary?

If the pipeline is for California, why is it being built here?

Is it OK for out-of-state utilities and private enterprise to seize the property of Oregon citizens?

Is the introduction of a foreign fuel source into our stable and ample domestic system a wise decision? Have all impacts been carefully considered — fish restoration, tourism, shellfish, commercial and sports fishing, and property values of residents in its path?

Do the people want this on BLM and Forest Service land?

Possible disasters, including seismic events, forest fires and landslides must be considered. What are the consequences of a breech under one of our rivers?

What are the scenic impacts of a 100-foot right-of-way through our mountains?

What are the right-of-way maintenance standards and who will be responsible for the control of ladder fuels and invasive plant species?

This pipeline may not be in your backyard, but this burden will fall on some hard working members of the Southwestern Oregon community. Time is the one part of this equation we can afford. In this case we should not learn from our mistakes, but rather we should avoid them. We must take the time and find the answers. These questions should and will eventually concern and impact all Oregon citizens. Think about this the next time you’re fueling your car. Are the oil companies and big energy the ones you want calling the shots in Oregon’s best interest? The choice is yours. Demand answers from your elected officials. Explore the odds that your pocketbook will satisfy big energy’s bloated appetite for money. Answer the door, it’s big oil calling.



Bob Phillips lives in Azalea and has lived in Days Creek. His family has lived in Oregon since 1850. Phillips’ parents were married in Azalea and have lived there since 1950. He is third generation in the pipe trades. His grandparents owned Shepeard and Phillips Pipeline Company.