There have been some exciting developments on a number of energy infrastructure fronts since last month’s report. We’re getting the sense here at Energy Action NW that, after a lot of hard work, a reasonable and doable plan for our region is indeed coming together.
Item: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently voted to authorize the Jordan Cove liquefied natural gas import terminal in Coos Bay. The project is designed to provide up to 1 billion cubic feet of gas per day to customers in the Pacific Northwest through existing pipelines. Jordan Cove continues to move through the state and federal permitting process.
Energy Action is proud to have been front and center on this issue, almost literally. Following the FERC vote, I was quoted a December 17th Oregonian article applauding FERC’s decision. Strangely though, of everyone quoted, I was the only one to mention the need for jobs while everyone else was talking about litigation. Old habits, it seems, are hard to break.
Item: Early this month, FERC also prepared a final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Ruby Pipeline Project. Located in portions of Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and Oregon, the 675.2-mile natural gas pipeline will be able to transport up to 1.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day.
The FERC staff concluded that construction and operation of the Ruby Pipeline Project would result in some adverse environmental impacts. However, most of these would be reduced to less-than-significant levels with the implementation of Ruby's proposed mitigation measures.
Item: FERC and the National Marine Fisheries Service have reached consultation on Bradwood Landing’s impacts to endangered species, a major milestone for the project as it moves toward initial construction. According to FERC, the expectation is that the consultation will be completed by March 8, 2010, the 90 day statutory deadline. According the Bradwood officials, the start of Endangered Species Act consultation marks a major milestone for Bradwood Landing as it works toward initial construction.
While we still have many challenges to face, anyone looking for a common denominator among these developments need not look too far. The movement is toward well-paying jobs and a de facto rational energy policy that will work for all of us.
