WASHINGTON, D.C. — In his ongoing effort to promote a transparent decision-making process regarding proposed Oregon liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and associated pipelines, Congressman David Wu today wrote to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ask that it not make the Bradwood Landing licensing decision prior to FERC’s next public meeting on September 18, 2008.

Congressman Wu’s letter is below.

July 24, 2008

Joseph T. Kelliher, Chairman
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street NE
Washington, DC  20426

Regarding:       OEP/DG2E/Gas 3, Bradwood Landing LLC, NorthernStar Energy, LLC
                         Docket Nos. CP06-365-000, et al

Dear Chairman Kelliher,

I hereby request that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) not make its final decision on the application for the proposed Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility along the Columbia River before its September 18, 2008 hearing. The need for this decision to be made publicly at your September 18, 2008 hearing, and not as a notational decision, is vital to maintaining transparency in this process.

I remain concerned that FERC has not sufficiently addressed the concerns of Oregonians, the governor and various state agencies, and now the U.S. Department of the Interior. FERC's Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) has raised concern because of its failure to address important issues such as erosion mitigation, emergency planning, impact on fish and wildlife, and access to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

On July 2, 2008, Willie Taylor, the director of the Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance for the U.S. Department of the Interior, wrote FERC stating that the FEIS is flawed and a record of decision (ROD) should not be issued until the Bradwood Landing proposal has met the requirements of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). Moreover, the director feels that a formal consultation under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as well as finalized biological opinions for affected species, should be completed prior to the issuance of a ROD.

Other unfinished work that should be completed prior to any decision includes studies on erosion control, emergency response planning, wetland construction mitigation, migratory bird nest avoidance, bald eagle assessment, lighting plans, and actions to mitigate any adverse affect on Pacific Coast salmon. As you know, the FEIS finds that the facility would be "likely to adversely affect" Pacific Coast salmon migrating past the facility. The deep concern the West Coast feels with regard to the issue of Pacific Coast salmon recovery, especially those runs along the Columbia River, cannot be underestimated. This issue must be fully addressed before moving forward with any substantive action.

I have consistently supported an open and transparent process for all LNG applications, and have worked on behalf of my constituents to ensure that their comments and concerns are heard. Finalizing this application no sooner than the September 18, 2008 hearing, and ideally after the above concerns have been addressed, would be a step toward a transparent process—something that the applicants, the public, and I agree on.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this request.

Sincerely,

David Wu
Member of Congress