Kate Kimball, Senior Policy Analyst for 1000 Friends of Oregon, wrote the following letter of support to Idaho Power Company Vice President Dan Minor and Adam Bless of the Oregon Department of Energy (with permission):
Dear Mr. Minor:
On behalf of 1000 Friends of Oregon, I am writing to request that Idaho Power select a different route for the Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Line Project. 1000 Friends of Oregon is a membership nonprofit organization that works with Oregonians to enhance our quality of life by building livable urban and rural communities, protecting family farms and forests, and conserving natural and scenic areas.
We are particularly concerned about the adverse impacts of the transmission line on farmers and ranchers in the region. For example, we understand that the onion growers in Malheur County generate an annual farm gate value of about $50,000,000. During difficult economic times, it does not seem prudent to put at risk Oregon farm-related jobs and income. Oregon agriculture is responsible for over 10% of jobs in Oregon, according to Oregon State University – jobs that won’t be outsourced overseas. There is a strength in eastern Oregon’s agricultural communities that the proposed route could undermine at this vulnerable time.
As I am sure you know, Oregon is not neutral when it comes to protecting farmland. For over three decades, Oregon’s pioneering land use planning program has protected Oregon’s family farms and ranches from conflicting uses such as utility facilities. The project route would be sited on land that is zoned for Exclusive Farm Use (EFU). Oregon law requires under ORS 215.275(2) that reasonable alternatives to siting a utility facility on EFU land be considered. We urge you to work with affected farmers, ranchers and community members to develop such an alternative proposal that addresses their concerns. We are confident that this alternative can be developed, and look forward to your leadership in this regard.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kate Kimball
Staff Attorney
We would like to thank Kate and the 1000 Friends of Oregon for their support and encouragement.
Dear Mr. Minor:
On behalf of 1000 Friends of Oregon, I am writing to request that Idaho Power select a different route for the Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Line Project. 1000 Friends of Oregon is a membership nonprofit organization that works with Oregonians to enhance our quality of life by building livable urban and rural communities, protecting family farms and forests, and conserving natural and scenic areas.
We are particularly concerned about the adverse impacts of the transmission line on farmers and ranchers in the region. For example, we understand that the onion growers in Malheur County generate an annual farm gate value of about $50,000,000. During difficult economic times, it does not seem prudent to put at risk Oregon farm-related jobs and income. Oregon agriculture is responsible for over 10% of jobs in Oregon, according to Oregon State University – jobs that won’t be outsourced overseas. There is a strength in eastern Oregon’s agricultural communities that the proposed route could undermine at this vulnerable time.
As I am sure you know, Oregon is not neutral when it comes to protecting farmland. For over three decades, Oregon’s pioneering land use planning program has protected Oregon’s family farms and ranches from conflicting uses such as utility facilities. The project route would be sited on land that is zoned for Exclusive Farm Use (EFU). Oregon law requires under ORS 215.275(2) that reasonable alternatives to siting a utility facility on EFU land be considered. We urge you to work with affected farmers, ranchers and community members to develop such an alternative proposal that addresses their concerns. We are confident that this alternative can be developed, and look forward to your leadership in this regard.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kate Kimball
Staff Attorney
We would like to thank Kate and the 1000 Friends of Oregon for their support and encouragement.
