Robyn Thorson/R1/FWS/DOI
01/2312010 07:18 PM
To Ben Harrison/RO/R1/FWS/DOI@FWS
Cc
bcc
Subject Fw: Heads up: Ruby Pipeline
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—–Forwarded by Robyn Thorson/R1/FWS/DOI on 01/23/2010 07:18 PM—–
Robyn Thorson/R1/FWS/DOI
10/16/2009 08:13 AM
To Sam Hamilton/ARL/R9/FWS/DOI@FWS
cc Carolyn Bohan/RO/R1/FWS/DOI@FWS, Dan Ashe/ARL/R9/FWS/DOI@FWS, Dave Wesley/RO/R1/FWS/DOI@FWS, Gregory Siekaniec/NWRS/R9/FWS/DOI@FWS, Rowan Gould/ARL/R9/FWS/DOI@FWS
Subject Re: Heads up: Ruby Pipeline
Holy cow! In that case, pls contact Abbey to advise him of the FWS region’s “take” on the purpose of Myers’ visit (he’ll advocate for trans-refuge route) and that FWS and BLM BOTH need to oppose that alternative in FERC’s EIS, Abbey’s DC office may already be of that opinion, but NV State Office is not.
I’m en route to office; Dave W will get more for you ASAP if you want it. Or call my cell.
Sam Hamilton
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—Original Message—From: Sam Hamilton
Sent, 10/16/2009 11:03 AM EDT
To: Robyn Thorson
cc: Carolyn Bohan, Dan Ashe; Dave Wesley: Gregory Siekaniec; Rowan Gould Subject: Re: Heads up: Ruby Pipeline
Bill’s on my sched. At 200pm tues. I have to assume he’s seeing BLM and others while in town …so, do I need to speak with Abbey or not… sam
Robyn Thorson/R1/FWS/DOI
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Robyn Thorson/R1/FWS/DOI
10/16/2009 10:56 AM
To Sam Hamilton/ARL/R9/FWS/DOI@FWS, Rowan Gould/ARL/R9/FWS/DOI@FWS
Cc Dan Ashe/ARL/R9/FWS/DOI@FWS, Dave Wesley/RO/R1/FWS/DOI@FWS, Carolyn Bohan/RO/R1/FWS/DOI@FWS, “Mr. Gregory Siekaniec”
Subject: Re: Heads up: Ruby Pipeline
I told BLM State Director (Nevada) That I would not elevate yet _ so my note was “heads up” in case you heard about it in DC (I’m concerned that Bill Myers will direct drive to you, given that he was at the Summit).
HOWEVER…we need to shut down any BLM advocacy for a trans-refuge route, to avoid appearance of different DOI bureau positions. This is a big energy project–splits between bureaus could be “news” and could make the Secretary look bad. I alerted Nevada BLM to the importance to avoid placeing DOI in that
Position. BLM WO could shut down the matter quickly and absolutely…
In their defense, BLM (field) struggles to accept that FWS does not weigh pros and cons under, a “multiple use” standard for land use (which BLM is required to do on public lands)…hard to accept that a NWR has entirely different purposes (NOT multiple use), laws, mandates, constituents, etc. We have been clear– FWS is not going to give a permit for a 48″ pipeline to bisect this NWR with its rare unfractured sagebrush landscape.
I value your firm position against a trans-refuge route if Myers calls or if BLM raises it; I am continuing to work this at the RD/State Director level for now.
Sam Hamilton
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—–Original Message—–
From: Sam Hamilton
Sent, 10/16/2009 09,10 AM EDT
To: Robyn Thorson; Rowan Gould
Cc; Dan Ashe; Dave Wesley; Carolyn Bohan
Subjct: Re: Heads up: Ruby Pipeline
Shall I raise this with Bob Abbey, or stay out of it? Sounds like the ball may be w/ FERC, at the moment. Sam
Robyn Thorson
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—–Original Message—–
From: Robyn Thorson
Sent: 10/15/2009 02:07 PM MDT
To: Rowan Gould
Cc: Sam Hamilton; Dan Ashe; Dave Wesley; Carolyn Bohan
Subject: Heads up: Ruby Pipeline
I called but you were out. Issue is to keep you posted on Ruby Pipeline. I previously sent you a short note about a FERC permit for this gas pipeline from Colorado to Oregon. R1 concern: potential EIS preferred alternative that routes across Sheldon NWR.
BLM Nevada was weighing in on this, supporting Nevada DOW proposal to cross refuge. I pushed back against BLM Nevada: it’s not over but it’s quiet. Furthermore, BLM WO spoke up against a route across refuge.
New development: Atty Bill Myers asserting more loudly cross-refuge route. He is the former DOI SOL (Bush 43) and he was at Summit and likely will call Sam and/or Bob Abbey.
R1 has briefing material ready for you. Our position: FERC should not identify preferred alternative as cross-refuge route. Last we heard FERC agreed but “politics” could shift with this powerful player.
R1 vigorously opposes cross-refuge route. So does Oregon (cross-refuge route would enter refuge in NV and exit in OR). We’ll supply Info on basis for our position. There is a route south of refuge — works well. Cheaper for pipeline to cross refuge but almost impossible to envision FWS permitting this on refuge. Project would stall…
Quick (I’m on 6 hour drive back to RO). Call If need more beofre tomorrow.
