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A Question to the Oregon LNG Export Opponents.
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 04 October 2012 14:28
by John Plesnicar
What’s your plan?
From July 2000 to July 2012 the state of Oregon increased total private sector employment by only 2,300 jobs. During that same 12 year period the population of Oregon increased by over 400,000 people. The chart below is a breakdown of the employment numbers for this time period.
|
Category |
Jul-00 |
Jul-12 |
Increase or Decrease |
|
Total Population |
3.42 Million |
3.87 Million |
405,000 |
|
Total Private Employment |
1,355,200 |
1,357,500 |
2,300 |
|
Educational And Health Services |
166,800 |
230,500 |
63,700 |
|
Leisure And Hospitality |
156,200 |
176,200 |
20,000 |
|
State Government |
67,400 |
76,100 |
8,700 |
|
Local Government |
158,100 |
165,500 |
7,400 |
|
Other Services |
54,900 |
57,600 |
2,700 |
|
Professional and business services |
187,200 |
191,600 |
4,400 |
|
Manufacturing |
230,300 |
171,900 |
-58,400 |
|
Construction |
86,800 |
73,600 |
-13,200 |
|
Information |
40,400 |
33,900 |
-6,500 |
|
Trade, Transportation, And Utilities |
325,900 |
320,600 |
-5,300 |
|
Mining and Logging |
10,300 |
7,300 |
-3,000 |
|
Financial Activities |
96,400 |
94,300 |
-2,100 |
Source: Oregon Employment Department. All figures are not seasonally adjusted.
These job numbers are shocking and sad for the people of Oregon. The majority of the jobs created were in government and health care which require tax payer money to fund. The majority of the jobs lost were in manufacturing and construction and these are jobs needed to pay the taxes. This is essentially like a business adding to its overhead costs and then decreasing output. It is a recipe for disaster and is unsustainable.
Adding to the problem is Oregon’s reputation of becoming hostile to business. In the 2012 Chief Executive.net ranking of best states to do business Oregon dropped 15 spots to the 42nd worst state to do business. Oregon Loses Most Over 5 Years: Drops 15 Spots Since 2008
Oregon now has an opportunity for outside investment to begin to create real wealth and private sector jobs in the state with LNG exports. The plan from the last 12 years has been a jobs and wealth creation disaster. Those fighting LNG export terminals and pipelines in Oregon must have a clear plan to create wealth. This brings me back to the question for LNG export opponents in Oregon. What is the wealth and job creation plan for Oregon if it does not include LNG exports?
John Plesnicar is the Managing Director of LNG Global
Comments: info@lngglobal.com