Oregon governor wants marine sanctuary for whole coast

[Thom Little]

Gov. Ted Kulongoski is urging the conversion of Oregon's entire coastline into a national marine sanctuary to head off oil exploration and other activities that could harm natural and scenic values.

In a letter to Oregon's congressional delegation, Kulongoski said the move would allow state and federal agencies to work with fishermen, tribes, recreational users and others to protect the ecosystem.

Oregon's jurisdiction extends three nautical miles from the beach. The sanctuary proposal would extend protection an average of about 25 miles to cover the continental shelf.

It would be the nation's first such sanctuary. He said the proposal is a "starting point."


http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/252485_sanctuary17.html

[Botany]

1. Oregon is 20 years ahead of the nation

[Straight Shooter]

2. But we're barely half-blue.

One major factor in moving to Oregon from Texas was because I had a perception it was more tolerant, more progressive, but it's still quite the uphill battle.

I'm glad our governor is thinking long-term. :thumbsup:

[DELUSIONAL]

5. Oregon has the same problem as Washington State -- the eastern

conservative idiots.

The west half of the state is progressive -- but then there is the rural half of the state.

Oregon is still way better than Texas.

[Spinzonner]

7. So, both of you cut off the eastern slivers

and give them to Idaho.

[stevedeshazer]

8. Slivers?

Two-thirds of each state?

:shrug:

[Spinzonner]

17. Population ?

and Intelligence

[Straight Shooter]

14. LOL. I live in the eastern part of Oregon.

But I'd be happy to send the cowboys over to Idaho, yee-haw!

[stubtoe]

3. The Coast and tourism are a big part of our economy.

It will be interesting to see how the other user groups react to the proposal, and what concessions for them could be worked into the creation of such a sanctuary. Go Ted!

[Warren Stupidity]

4. The states are going to have to lead on a lot of issues.

The blue states are going to have to lead on emission control, universal health care, environmental regulations, minimum wage, and a whole lot of other issues where the federal government is not only refusing to lead, it is tossing up roadblocks against state and regional initiatives at every opportunity.

[stevedeshazer]

6. Ted's running for re-election.

I like the idea. It will not come to pass, however. Not with a Republican congress. The state house of representatives is also controlled by the Republicans.

Ted's ratings aren't too good here. He's shoring up the environmental vote, plain and simple.

http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=fb9c0488-f319-45ea-ba70-59be2ccafa18

On the other hand, the Republicans don't have a viable candidate to replace him. His biggest threat appears to be a former Democratic governor, John Kitzhaber.

[Skink]

9. I'd like to see them vote for recession.

Post Ahnold California might join them. We won't be losing blue states just gaining a country.

[MissB]

10. Yeah, Ted isn't exactly known for being an environmentalist.

Whereas John is.

Kitzhaber is supposed to be deciding whether to run for a third term.

[Pastiche423]

11. I would very much like to know

how the siting of Liquified Natural Gas terminals fit into our governor's thoughts of a national marine sanctuary.

To those unaware of this, TPTB are trying to push LNG sitings on the southern coast of Oregon (among other places). In order to reach the sites, the bays and rivers must close down any and all boats twelve hours prior and twelve hours post to allow the LNG tankers in four times a month.

Moreover, LNG is highly volitile and makes anyone in a three mile radius at risk to incineration if a leak were to occur.

To research what I am talking about, type "lng" into any search engine.

[stevedeshazer]

12. They're pushing it here in nothern Oregon, too

LNG sites on the lower Columbia, in Clatsop and Columbia counties. A lot of folks are not happy about it.

[madmark]

13. Good for him; he can see real value of a pristine coast.

One of reasons I moved out of Newport Beach was because of an oil spill. It was sickening.

[BlueIris]

15. Thanks, Governor K. I still love you, even if others are confused.

Don't worry, I know you'll pull it out. And then I will laugh, and laugh and laugh. Kisses! Love, Iris.

[Pastiche423]

16. Confused about what?