FLORENCE — A new survey indicates there may be hidden public support for a liquified natural gas terminal and pipeline in Coos Bay and southwestern Oregon, despite vocal objections at various public forums — including meetings in Medford and Shady Cove.
Though a considerable portion of the public is still unaware of the proposed pipeline, those who have heard about it reacted positively to the idea, according to a poll commissioned by the project developers and conducted by Moore Information.
The company polled 400 people who would be affected by the project in late October. Those polled lived in Coos, Douglas, Jackson and Klamath counties.
Of the 62 percent who said they knew about the project, 56 percent said they favored it while just 16 percent said they opposed it. The remainder said they weren't sure yet.
The pipeline's developer said the results indicated strong support for the project.
"This shows a strong majority of the public recognizes the need for more energy sources to create jobs and support Oregon's economy," said Bob Braddock, project manager for Jordan Cove Energy.
Opponents weren't so sure.
"I think they're grasping at straws," said Jody McCaffree, who heads the group Citizens Against LNG. "I think it was just a way to make them look good."
She said an outpouring of testimony against the project at recent meetings with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission was proof of that.
According to the poll, those who supported the project cited job creation as their main reason. That beat out the need for more energy.
Opponents, meanwhile, listed safety as their top concern, ahead of environmental reasons and the location.
In July, Jackson County commissioners officially opposed the 230-mile, 36-inch diameter pipeline, which would connect a new natural gas terminal in Coos Bay with an existing pipeline at Malin, in Klamath County.
The commissioners passed a resolution asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to halt any further action on the project until an environmental and economic assessment is completed.
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