By SARAH ROSS
SALEM- Governor Ted Kulongoski announced on Thursday that he and Attorney General John Kroger intend to oppose the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s authorization of the Jordan Cove Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility and pipeline near Coos Bay.
Oregon Governor
The facility would deliver up to 1 billion cubic feet of gas to consumers throughout the region each day. In Thursday’s press release, FERC stated that the project “will serve the growing energy demand in the Pacific Northwest.”
The governor protested, saying, “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.”
He expressed concerns that the federal agency should not issue any licenses until the State has granted approvals for coastal zone management, clean air, and water pollution.
This announcement comes in the midst of a continuing battle between the State and the Bradwood Landing facility, another natural gas project on the lower Columbia River.
The governor, along with the attorney general, intends to file a request for rehearing with the federal agency in January. Following these administrative procedures, the State may make an appeal to the Ninth District Circuit Court. The State followed similar proceedings with the Bradwood Landing project and is currently pursuing an appeal for that project in the Ninth Circuit.
It never ceases to amaze me how anti business and development the State of Oregon is. Here we have a unique chance to become one of the leaders in natural gas and yet the Governor and Attorney General are both fighting to oppose both the coos bay facility and Bradwood Landing Project. Shame on you Governor Kulongosk and AG Kroger.