Oregon State Police said they arrested 21 people during a protest Thursday at the Oregon State Capitol. The demonstraters were expressing their opposition to a proposed natural gas pipeline and export terminal in southern Oregon. They want Gov. Kate Brown (D) to come out in opposition to the project.
Police said many of the protesters left the building after Brown spoke to them around 8 p.m. Those who remained were asked to leave, since the building was closed for the night. Police said the 21 who remained were charged with trespassing and were arrested without incident. The people arrested ranged in age from 22 to 78 years old, and came from 11 communities around Oregon. One member of the group was from California.
Opponents to the pipeline and export terminal say it will contribute to climate change. Supporters say it would provide an economic boost for Oregon. The project still needs both state and federal approvals before it can move forward.
