Jordan Cove LNG: FERC Vote “What We Hoped For”
The day after the FERC vote, Jordan Cove LNG Vice President Bob Braddock seems pleased and optimistic. “It’s pretty much what we hoped for and expected,” he says.
Yesterday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted 3 -1 to approve the Jordan Cove LNG terminal at Coos Bay, and the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. The vote drew immediate opposition from Governor Kulongoski and several environmental groups. They will ask FERC for a rehearing and without one will appeal the case.
But none of that appears to have shaken Braddock’s confidence. Here are some highlights from our conversation this morning.
The “no” vote by FERC Chairman Wellinghoff: Braddock says he expected Wellinghoff to dissent, saying the chairman has never voted for an LNG project. He has a “different world view” from others on the commission, explains Braddock.
Kulongoski’s Reaction: Braddock’s view is that the Governor’s office is more concerned about the pipeline part of the project than the LNG terminal his company is building. He also thinks the state is not “fundamentally” opposed to LNG, but instead is more focused on specific environmental concerns. Braddock says the developers will be able to address those concerns so the project can go forward.
And here’s the wild card in all this. If this goes to court, Braddock says it will probably be after Kulongoski leaves office and it’s impossible to say if the next Governor will feel the same way about LNG.
Looking Ahead To 2010:
Braddock says starting next year, they’ll submit about a dozen applications for state permits under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and other laws. They also hope to start signing agreements with natural gas suppliers from around the Pacific Rim. Braddock says they’ve been speaking with a handful of well known oil and gas companies, and that a lot of the gas they’d be importing would likely come from Australia.
He’s hopeful construction can begin in about 18-months and that the terminal will go online by the end of 2014.
See Our Other Stories On The FERC Ruling:
FERC Chair: Why I Voted Against Jordan Cove LNG
Gov. K Asks For New Hearing On Jordan Cove LNG
LNG Battles Move To Southern Oregon
