| DeFazio Calls for Stronger State Role on Licensing LNG Facilities in Oregon | | Print | |
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WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-Springfield) and his Oregon democratic colleagues in the House sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to support Gov. Kulongoski’s request for an improved licensing procedure for liquid natural gas (LNG) facilities. WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-Springfield) and his Oregon democratic colleagues in the House sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to support Gov. Kulongoski’s request for an improved licensing procedure for liquid natural gas (LNG) facilities.The DeFazio letter sEEKS FERCs expertise on the actual need for LNG facilities. This issue is of particular concern to Oregon, where the there are THREE proposed LNG facilities that pose some significant environmental and safety challenges.
"With the potential environmental and safety risks of LNG, there is a significant need for a stronger state rile in the licensing process" DeFazio said. "It is my sincere hope that the FERC will step up to the plate and protect Oregonians as the plans for these LNG facilities go forward." The text of the letter is below:
Joseph T. Kelliher Chairman Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 88 First St, NE Washington DC 20426
Dear Chairman Kelliher: We are writing in general support of Governor Kulongoski’s February 14th letter to you regarding the licensing of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Oregon. Like the Governor, we too have not taken an absolute position on LNG facilities in Oregon, but we are concerned about the inadequacy of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing process.We believe the Governor has raised some very important concerns that the FERC should not ignore. Our constituents deserve clear answers to the questions the Governor has raised and we implore FERC to provide those answers. As you know, the proposed LNG facilities in Oregon do pose some significant environmental and safety challenges, while the question of need is being left to the market to answer. We would appreciate FERC’s insight and expertise into the question of need, before our constituents are asked to grapple with the safety and environmental obstacles. And finally, we encourage FERC to work collaboratively with the State of Oregon because we believe that there are several state agencies that can offer significant resources regarding the question of siting an LNG facility in Oregon. To not engage these readily available resources that can help you work though the unique challenges posed by Oregon’s coastline, mountains and endangered species would be a missed opportunity. We urge FERC to engage the State of Oregon in resolving their concerns as quickly as possible. Sincerely,
Peter A. DeFazio David Wu Member of Congress Member of Congress
Darlene Hooley Earl Blumenauer Member of Congress Member of Congress |