I am in seventh-grade at Astoria Middle School. I believe that building liquefied natural gas terminals is bad for our community and is not the best answer for the Columbia River. Not everyone in the community agrees with me.

There are many large companies that support LNG, such as Calpine Corp. These companies are saying that developing LNG terminals on the Columbia River will provide jobs for people living in Clatsop County. However, it is my opinion that the high-paying jobs will be given to people from other parts of the United States. Local people will have the low-paying jobs.

It is my opinion that LNG would be disruptive and dangerous for the environment. LNG technology is dangerous because the gas is vulnerable in air. If the liquefied gas is exposed to air, it will explode. Many different types of fish will be disrupted by the pipelines in the water. Fishing boats and vessels will need to stay out of the shipping areas when the tankers bring in the liquefied gas. In addition, the fuel from the tanks will not benefit people living in Clatsop County. The cooled gas will be sent through the pipes to Portland.

I also believe that building the LNG terminals will take away from the beauty in the area. Many people visit and live in Clatsop County. Tourists come here to enjoy the fresh air and the views. If huge terminals are placed along the scenic areas, tourists will stay away or go someplace else. Businesses that provide services to tourists will close down. Shopping centers will close when local people decide to move out of the area.

These are a few of the reasons that support my belief that LNG is bad for the Columbia River and our community.

DAVID WOLTJER

Astoria