Ruby pipeline agreements address sage grouse impacts
The Casper Star-Tribune, July 22, 2010 [here]
Green River, Wyoming - An unprecedented partnership between the nation’s leading interstate natural gas pipeline company and two conservation organizations will lead to sage grouse habitat protections for a planned natural gas pipeline.
Two agreements will fund the sage grouse habitat work, which aims to address potential environmental impacts from the construction of the 680-mile Ruby Pipeline from Wyoming to Oregon, officials involved in the deal said.
El Paso Corp.’s Ruby Pipeline, LLC will donate more than $20 million during the next 10 years to set up two conservation funds to preserve lands and wildlife habitat near the pipeline, said Jon Marvel, executive director of the Western Watersheds Project, a partner in the endeavor.
The two entities and the Oregon Natural Desert Association recently established the Sagebrush Habitat Conservation Fund.
The fund is designed to protect and restore sagebrush habitat for sage grouse through the purchase and retirement of federal grazing permits offered by willing sellers.
Marvel said the fund may also acquire private lands and conservation easements to protect sage grouse and habitat. … [more]
Note: None dare call it extortion. For more about the super-litigious Western Watersheds Project, see
Enviros milk the biggest cash cow: the U.S. taxpayer. By Henry Lamb, Range Magazine, Summer 2010 [here].