LNG pipeline protesters at a December 2009 rally in Portland.
Although this is listed on my events story of the day, it’s worth a new mention. Oregon DEQ is holding a public meeting tonight in Astoria about the Bradwood Landing LNG project.
Also, I’ve learned a little bit more about the Wyden-Merkley LNG bill.
It’s no surprise that Brett VandenHeuvel of Columbia Riverkeeper is pleased with the new Wyden-Merkley bill that would return decision making over LNG projects back to the states.
Columbia Riverkeeper is one of the main groups opposing two proposed LNG projects near Astoria – Bradwood Landing and Oregon LNG. It’s also involved in efforts to block two pipelines that would connect the terminals to the interstate gas pipeline system.
But in our conversation today, some very interesting questions came up about just how easy it might become to stop all LNG projects in Oregon, if the bill becomes law.
An LNG protest sign from December, 2009.
Oregon’s two Senators are joining forces on a bill that could bring LNG projects in our state to a grinding halt.
Wyden and Merkley want to take away control over LNG projects from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). They’ve introduced a bill that would return that power to the states.
Whether or not Wyden and Merkley are outright trying to stop LNG in Oregon is unclear. But given the current political landscape in this state, that’s a real possibility, should the bill become law.
The State of Oregon, and NOAA Fisheries, have joined the call for a new hearing on the Jordan Cove LNG terminal and the Pacific Connector gas pipeline.
Oregon’s decision is no surprise. Governor Kulongoski said he’d file a rehearing request a month ago when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the licenses for the two projects.
But NOAA’s involvement? No so expected. And it raises questions about whether something fundamentally wrong with how LNG issues in Oregon are decided.
A coalition of environmental groups is asking FERC for a new hearing on the Jordan Cove LNG and Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. It’s the first step is what’s likely to become a long, hard fought battle over the projects.
FERC approved the licenses about a month ago. But the coalition says FERC needs to reconsider the decision and rewrite the Environmental Impact Statement.
Here are the main points of their request.
An LNG tanker at sea. Photo from www.lngoneworld.com.
UPDATE: LC 85 made it out of committee and has been introduced as SB 1020.
If you want to see how LNG issues divide and energize Oregonians, then take a look at two bills the legislature will consider next month.
One makes it easier to LNG companies to get some of the permits they need to build plants and pipelines. The other says, “Wait a minute! Shouldn’t we decide if these projects are really needed?”
If past fights are any indication of how strongly people feel about these issues, then things could get ugly.
UPDATE: LC 85 has been introduced to the special session as SB 1020.
The Hey! Northwest Natural campaign is raising the alarm about a bill that would make it easier for LNG pipelines to be built in Oregon.
According to the group, LC-85 allows pipeline companies and utilities to get permits to fill wetlands on private land, even if the landowners object. They’re calling this a shortcut in the permitting process, putting LNG pipelines on a faster track towards approval.
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.
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.
Early this afternoon, Governor Kulongoski issued a statement calling on FERC to reconsider its decision to approve the Jordan Cove LNG project and the Pacific Connector Pipeline.
Kulongoski writes, “Today’s decision by FERC does not address Oregon’s very real concerns about the environmental impact of the pipeline associated with the proposed LNG facility. The information guiding this decision is woefully inadequate to license a project with such profound potential impacts on the lives of Oregonians and we will appeal to FERC to ensure the people of Oregon’s concerns are fully addressed.”
In addition, he says it was wrong for FERC to approve the license before the project had obtained state permits under the Clean Water and Clean Air acts, as well as the Coastal Zone Management Act.
The statement adds that if Oregon will appeal the decision to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals if FERC continues to support Jordan Cove LNG.
