NOTE: I have a phone call and two e-mail requests into Jordan Cove for their reaction to today’s news. When they respond, I will add that to today’s coverage.
FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff.
FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff cast the only vote against the Jordan Cove LNG project and the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. Appointed to the Commission in 2006, he was named Chairman by President Obama earlier this year.
Wellinghoff also voted against the Bradwood Landing LNG project on the Columbia River near Astoria. He says the two projects suffer from similar problems.
Relying On Imported LNG: In his dissent, Wellinghoff says he is concerned about the environmental and economic impacts of increasing our reliance on foreign sources of LNG. He says Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for both projects need to do a better of job of studying renewable energy as an alternative to LNG imports.
Outdated Information: Wellinghoff says FERC should be paying more attention to the recent news about natural gas supplies in the United States. He cites a new study produced by FERC staff showing a 100-year supply of domestic natural gas at current levels of demand. This is one-third more than previous estimates and is the result of better technology.
Some of this is so new, that it came after the EIS was finalized in May. But the other FERC members who voted in favor of Jordan Cove say they’re not required to look at the new information. What else has changed since May? The price of domestic natural gas has fallen significantly.
Safety Hazards: Wellinghoff is also concerned that the Jordan Cove Plant would be located less than a mile away from the Southwest Regional Airport. He says that’s too close according to standards set by the Transportation Department. Next year, the airport expects to handle more than 50,000 take off and landings. The Chairman is concerned about the possibility of a airplane crash into the LNG terminal.
See Our Other Stories On Today’s FERC Ruling:
Gov. K Asks For New Hearing On Jordan Cove LNG
LNG Battles Move To Southern Oregon
[...] the balls as chairman of FERC to cast the only vote against the Pacific Connector gas pipeline! http://www.naturaloregon.org/2009/12…rdan-cove-lng/ [...]