This is the News

For some time, many have suspected that Columbia Riverkeeper (CRK), a vocal LNG opponent, has had a direct hand in several recall campaigns against Clatsop County Commissioners who have voted on land-use issues related to the Bradwood Landing LNG terminal and pipeline. This week those suspicions were confirmed.
 
In a letter addressed to the Internal Revenue Service dated December 1st, Energy Action Northwest  (EANW) summarized CRK's problem as follows:

Columbia Riverkeeper ("CRK") is an Oregon public benefit nonprofit corporation exempt from state and federal taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As you know, organizations exempt from taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. As set forth in this letter, and as evidenced by the attached documentation, CRK has violated, and continues to violate, this absolute prohibition against political activity, by engaging both directly and indirectly in political campaigns supporting the recall of Clatsop County, Oregon Commissioners who have voted on various land use issues relating to the development and construction of a liquefied natural gas ("LNG") facility on the Columbia River. Therefore, we respectfully request that the Internal Revenue Service immediately commence an investigation into CRK's political activities to determine whether CRK may continue to operate as a tax-exempt organization.
 
The letter included extensive evidence documenting CRK's direct and indirect participation in the recall efforts.   
 
EANW Executive Director, Tom Ivancie, stated in a press release, "If CRK believes that election activity is an important component of their strategy, they should pursue it, but they should not be allowed to enjoy tax-exempt status at the same time."
 
We couldn't agree more.
 
According to their website, Energy Action Northwest is a public policy advocacy group representing businesses and labor organizations in the Pacific Northwest that are concerned about the reliability and affordability of electricity and natural gas. Its members are energy stakeholders who support the organization's objectives recommending energy policies based on sound economics, science, rational environmental stewardship and competitive cost. The organization also provides accurate information and context needed to correct misinformation created by certain opponents to the development of new energy infrastructure in Oregon and Washington.
 
A copy of the IRS Complaint Letter can be found here.