Using language that is blunt, but polite, Governor Kulongoski is delivering some harsh criticism to federal regulators for their environmental approval of the Jordan Cove LNG plant near Coos Bay, and the Pacific Connector natural gas pipeline.
In a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Governor calls the environmental review “inadequate” and says there’s not enough evidence to support the approval.
On May 1st, FERC issued the final Environmental Impact Statement for the projects, saying the proposed LNG plant and pipeline will damage the environment, but if the proper steps are taken the damage won’t be significant.
Kulongoski argues that FERC “significantly understates” the impact of the projects. He says the steps, proposed by FERC to lessen the damage, is “not supported by sufficient scientific data and evidence or by a clear explanation that justifies approval.”
He goes on to say that FERC needs to hold off making more judgements, until U.S. Fish and Wildlife and NOAA Fisheries complete their reviews on how the projects will impact endangered species. Until that happens, Kulongoski accuses FERC of being in violation the Endangered Species Act. He also says FERC shouldn’t issue a license until the projects have earned the necessary state and local permits
Kulongoski’s objects are nearly identical to the ones the state has raised against the proposed Bradwood Landing LNG plant near Astoria. FERC issued a license for Bradwood last fall. But Oregon, Washington, the U.S. Department of Justice, and a coalition of environmental groups are fighting the license approval in federal court.
The Jordan Cove LNG plant would sit near Coos Bay, taking in liquified natural gas from overseas tankers. The gas would be shipped through the Pacific Connector pipeline which runs 234 miles across Coos, Douglas, Jackson and Klamath counties to its ending point near Malin, Ore.
While getting the environmental approval from FERC is an important first step, the projects have yet to be given a license.
Earlier coverage: Coos Bay LNG Project Gets A Green Light From Feds
There have been a lot of detailed environmental impact studies completed but, unfortunately, those against the project do not care how positive the studies come back or who approves it. They only care that things do not change. Perhaps “family wage jobs” could be on the Federal endargered spicies list! Apparently the Governor wants to drag this out as well.