Gas pipeline chief defends donation
ELKO -- The chief of a 680-mile natural gas pipeline project from Wyoming to Oregon says he's surprised by the "firestorm" of complaints from ranchers about a company deal with environmental conservation groups.
Jim Cleary, president of El Paso Western Pipeline Group, told Elko County commissioners on Wednesday that company officials didn't expect the reaction over an agreement to contribute $20 million to a Sage Grouse Habitat Conservation Fund.
Commission Chairman Charlie Myers said the firm's reputation in northeast Nevada has been damaged by the deal with the Western Watersheds Project and Oregon Natural Desert Association.
The Texas company plans a construction office in Elko as part of the $3 billion Ruby Pipeline project.
Work on the pipeline began this week after Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval last week .
