Judge Mossman has adopted Judge Jelderks' findings and recommendations as his own and has issued an order directing the Port of Astoria and the individual commissioners to immediately enter into a 30 year agreement with the division of state lands for the Skipanon property. He further orders that the port make that available to Oregon LNG.
The attorney for the Port has sent a letter to Judge Jelderks renewing his request for a Judicial Settlement Conference. Thane Tienson attaches a copy of a letter from OLNG's lawyers stating that the injunction orders will be personally delivered to each of the commissioners and the Port swiftly. OLNG's lawyer says unless the Port and the commission immediately comply with Judge Mossman's injunction and renew the Master Lease commissioners will be faced with civil contempt charges. Both the Port and the individual commissioners will face substantial daily dollar fines until they comply.
So Mr. Tienson wants a settlement. I don't blame him.
Just to be clear, the issue is about responsible government. It's not about pointless debates on the need for LNG terminals, or whether or not people want them sited here.
There just hasn't been a shred of commonsense on the part of the Port evident in any of this legal wrangling.
The Port has a sublease in breach with a private investor. The Port has massed a huge public debt over it. That debt continues to grow with every passing day. The only way out is for the commissioners to call a special meeting within 24 hours and sign a proper lease for 30 years with the State. Then, maybe, OLNG will sit down at the table and negotiate.
It's not complicated and hasn't been from the start.
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