Oregon Public Broadcasting

Supporters and opponents of a proposed LNG terminal along the Columbia River took their battle to the Oregon capitol Tuesday.

Key decisions in the liquefied natural gas controversy could be coming soon.  Salem correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

LNG opponents gathered on the capitol steps in support of legislation that would give the state more power to block LNG terminals.  

Opponents of Liquefied Natural Gas hold a rally on the front steps of the Oregon capitol in Salem.

Speakers like Democratic Representative Chuck Riley of Hillsboro said liquefied natural gas is a risky proposition with few upsides.

Chuck Riley:  “We’re going to be working to try to make sure that foreign LNG doesn’t come into Oregon now or in the future.”

Supporters of LNG countered by launching what they called a “truth offensive”.  

Ed Finklea is with the business and labor-funded group Energy Action Northwest.

Ed Finklea:  “We think it’s kind of madness that groups are opposing things like an LNG terminal at this kind of critical time when we clearly need the energy and we need the jobs.”

A key state land use panel delayed a ruling on the issue by at least two weeks.

Meanwhile, federal regulators are set to rule on several objections to the plan later this week.