Emails obtained by the Energy Policy Institute via public records request indicate possible ex parte contact that was not properly disclosed in deliberative public hearings. Commissioner Melissa Cribbins solicited funding on behalf of the AOC (Association of Oregon Counties) from Canadian company Pembina, the parent company of Jordan Cove Energy Partners. This story was first reported on DeSmogBlog.com

Cribbins has been completely transparent about her support for the controversial Jordan Cove LNG export terminal and associated Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. The emails indicate Cribbins has developed a cozy relationship with company representatives and has even promised access to commissioners in return for a $7,500 sponsorship at an AOC event. In an email to Pembina representative Chuck Deister, Cribbins wrote:

“Hi Chuck,

Do you think you can confirm Jordan Cove is able to sponsor our commissioner/legislator reception next Monday? We would be more than happy to provide dedicated time for you to address the gathering as well as of course to work the crowd individually.”

All in all, Cribbins raised more than $15,000 from Pembina for AOC events. Responding to a request for information regarding her failure to disclose these communications at public hearings related to land use permits, Cribbins replied via email, “All emails that were required to be disclosed under Oregon law were disclosed.  Most of the emails related to the Enterprise Zone Agreement, in which I am the Zone Sponsor representative for Coos County.”

Jackson County Commissioners has taken a stance against the pipeline in part due to the use of eminent domain against US landowners to benefit a Canadian company. After one reception Jackson County Commissioner Colleen Roberts began an email exchange with Cribbins and other AOC members explaining her position on the project. Despite a confidentiality claim at the bottom of the email declaring the message is intended for the addressee only, Cribbins forwarded the exchange to Pembina.

Commissioner John Sweet has also been cautioned in the past had when he failed to disclose what was said during a presentation by Jordan Cove proponents at 2014 luncheon.

Cribbins claim that she has followed Oregon law have met with harsh rebuke in social media where there are for further investigations and even a recall. Early this month Cribbins was appointed to the Trump administration’s EPA Local Government Advisory Council.

Cribbins is currently campaigning for Oregon State Senate to replace Senator Arnie Roblan who announced he will not run again.

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