ASTORIA, Ore. — Opponents of a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal along the Columbia River have filed paperwork to recall two Clatsop County commissioners who have supported the project.

LNG opponent Marc Auerbach said Tuesday that people are fed up with commissioners who continue to back a project that a “hefty majority” in the community opposes.

The recall targets Jeff Hazen and Ann Samuelson, who have voted to allow NorthernStar Natural Gas to build a $650 million LNG terminal 20 miles east of Astoria on an old mill site known as Bradwood.

The terminal would import, store and process supercooled liquefied natural gas for movement through pipelines to points across the country.

The commission approved zone changes last year to allow NorthernStar to build the terminal. Opponents challenged that, and in February the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals sent the matter back to the commission.

Opponents began chanting “recall” after the commissioners voted 4-1 last week to accept the company’s proposals and re-approve the project. Opponents contend the project fails to protect fishing and isn’t “small or moderate,” the only size allowed on the Bradwood parcel.

Hazen and Samuelson said they intend to fight the campaigns.

“Find somebody who works as hard as I do in District 5 — I dare you,” Samuelson said.

Related article:

Clatsop County commissioners again approve Columbia River LNG terminal  (July 18)