Kulongoski Bails On Environment

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski has agreed to a compromise on a bill expanding property rights under measure 37. Peter Bray @ BlueOregon argues that the bill sets the stage for widespread sprawl:

While Ted Kulongoski might feel that he has "struck a balance", a quick read of the Bill reveals otherwise. The modest environmental protections from Charlie Ringo's original bill are now gone. Instead, property owners will be able to fully "transfer" development rights to subsequent owners. This effectively clears the way for widespread sprawl. (After all, without the ability to transfer rights, future owners may violate the original regulations that the previous owner was exempted from; this confusion is a good thing, as it makes developers and financers uneasy about using Measure 37 for their own sprawling ends.)