OCHS Executive Director Resigns; Jordan Cove Pipeline Permit Denied; COVID-19 Easing; Gas Prices Inch Up

OCHS Executive Director Resigns

The Oregon Coast Humane Society has announced the sudden resignation of their executive director, Charles Brown.  Humane society board president Shauna Robbers issued a statement from the board saying they are surprised, confused, and disappointed by the sudden decision.  Robbers says they will work quickly to find a replacement for Brown and thanked him for his service.  She also said operations will continue as usual in both the shelter and the thrift store.  Robbers says the board will update the public, members and financial partners when a new Executive Director is chosen.  Brown says he has no official comment at this time.

Jordan Cove Pipeline Permit Denied

Senator Ron Wyden says a decision by Federal Regulators to uphold the state’s decision to deny a water quality certification to the Jordan Cove Liquefied natural gas export terminal in Coos Bay is a “big win for protecting the South Coast.”  The project has been under scrutiny from democratic lawmakers in the state including Governor Kate Brown.  The Pembina Pipeline corporation for years has been trying to get the project  underway and after recent federal changes under the Trump administration, the path forward had gotten clearer, but president Joe Biden has set the tempo for new guidelines after issuing comments that he planned to quash another controversial  project, the Keystone Pipeline.  Supporters of the Jordan Cove project say it would provide jobs and a much needed economic boost to the area.  Pembina can still reapply for permits for the project but it is unknown if the company will move forward.

COVID-19 Easing

The Florence area had a day with no new cases of the coronavirus.  The number stands at 136 for now as Lane County added another 71 cases.  In comparison yesterdays total numbers were a welcome sight,  even though the OHA reported another 637 cases, it was the lightest day in several days for new cases.  The OHA has still not been able to maintain the 12,000 per day vaccination rate that Governor Kate Brown said was her goal.  Monday just over 8100 vaccinations were reported statewide. And that total was a composite over a three day period. 225 thousand total vaccinations have been administered.

Gas Prices Inch Up

The average price for a gallon of regular gas is inching up across the state.  Over the last two weeks in Florence the price has jumped about 10 cents per gallon averaging $2.49 a gallon.  Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says the price increase is due mainly to a rise in crude oil prices.  Prices went above the $50.00 a barrel mark for the first time in months and pump prices have made their largest jump since 2009.  Dodds says though that demand still remains low as people continue to limit their travel as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.