Action Alert from Stop Fracked Gas/PDX
The Portland Business Alliance (PBA) sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) endorsing the Pacific Connector fracked gas pipeline and the Jordan Cove LNG project proposal. They are expecting 1200 attendees at their Annual Meeting on May 1st. This event will be one of the region’s largest gatherings of business professionals and civic leaders in 2018, and we need to be outside protesting as they come into the Oregon Convention Center. They are honoring their outgoing President and CEO, Sandra McDonough, the very same person who signed the letter to the FERC in February.
Stop Fracked Gas/PDX is organizing a protest from 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 1st at the Oregon Convention Center to condemn this endorsement. We believe that most of their members are not yet aware that the PBA executives have thrown their support behind what could become the largest greenhouse gas polluter in the state. Here is a perfect opportunity to show up with our signs and banners to give them a chance to be climate heroes by opposing PBA’s endorsement.
Let’s show these business and civic leaders that we want them to stand for a stable climate and an Oregon economy that is based upon investments in clean energy such as solar and wind power, not fossil fuel infrastructure.
Let’s show them that we want them to condemn the construction of a 229 mile fracked gas pipeline that includes:
- Clear cutting across private, public, and tribal lands
- Ruining salmon spawning habitat
- Polluting 400 streams
- Threatening the Rogue Coquille, Klamath, and Umpqua Rivers.
Let’s show them that we want them to condemn the building of a huge LNG facility built in a tsunami zone and along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the source of the next big earthquake. We want them to condemn the dredging of Coos Bay, dredging that would hurt existing Oregon jobs that depend on clean energy and clean water.
Let’s show them that we want them to support the current Southern Oregon economy, which is built upon fishing, oyster farming, forestry, agriculture, and tourism. We want them to develop sustainable jobs in Southern Oregon communities that do not put construction workers, first responders, and our friends and neighbors directly in harm’s way. If constructed, the Pacific Connector fracked gas pipeline and the Jordan Cove LNG project would bring the risk of explosions, fires, and poisonous fumes to these communities.
Bright and early on May 1st at 6:30am, come out with us to urge PBA to stand up for Oregon’s real bottom line: sustainable jobs, healthy forests, clean water, strong salmon runs, respect for tribal rights, and a livable climate for our kids.
Let’s call on the member organizations of PBA to stand up to the Pacific Connector fracked gas pipeline and the Jordan Cove LNG project proposal. RSVP here.
Come dressed in business attire. Make your own signs. Keep the message brief and the lettering large. Here are some suggestions:
- Tell PBA – NO LNG
- I’m a Business Owner, not a Climate Polluter
- PBA (Heart) Climate Chaos
- BIZ People! Believe the Science
- STOP Fracked Gas in Oregon
- PBA Does NOT Rep my Business
We will have a large banner and hope to pass out leaflets to attendees as they park in the garages. Take public transportation and join us for a celebration breakfast after the protest.
Written by: Anne Bryant
