FLOW protects Oregon’s waters from pollution and development. These days, that means protecting Oregon’s rivers and streams – as well as the forests and farmlands that surround them – from a massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) import/export terminal and pipeline project.

The Jordan Cove Terminal and Pacific Connector project would create both human and economic devastation as it slices through hundreds of miles of Oregon farms and forests. Oregonians who support themselves by fishing or farming may find their livelihoods threatened by a 3-foot-diameter pipe cutting across 400 miles of Oregon’s landscape, crossing more than 350 streams to transport fuel to California.

"This is a highly damaging industry that wants a foothold in Oregon," explains Joe Serres, co-director. "If not for community members stepping up, the corporations would be ready to start construction, they would have all the permits they need."

But thanks to community involvement, they're still waiting. Out-of-state corporations that are proposing this project are overstating the benefits and minimizing the true costs of this pipeline project. Meanwhile, grassroots groups like FLOW are organizing resistance.

"These terminal proposals have been successfully fought off in California by legal oversight and citizen pressure. They thought they could march up the coast and find a weak spot," says Joe. "They thought Coos Bay was that weak spot."

FLOW has stepped into the fray to make sure that Oregonians participate in the decision-making process before any LNG project is approved. They are bringing community members into the review process for LNG development proposals, as well as organizing landowners who would see their properties bisected by the pipeline. They are also meeting with state and federal government officials and sharing more complete information about the true impacts an LNG project could have on Southern Oregon.

"We've entered a crucial window," adds Joe. "They're applying for local, state and federal permits, so involvement is critical. The biggest challenge now is to keep up with the pace of the legal and organizing effort it will take to stop them."

Learn more about how to stop LNG pipelines from invading Oregon: www.oregonwaters.org

Photo: LNG protest in Salem, courtesy of FLOW