Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

LNG is natural gas that has been super-cooled to a liquid at -260 degrees Fahrenheit. Liquefication reduces the volume by approximately 600 times, making it more economical to transport between continents in specially designed ships. LNG is converted back to gas by passing the liquid through vaporizers that warm it (regasification). It is then sent out via pipelines as ordinary natural gas.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) retains authority for LNG siting decisions through the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005. States retain authority to:

• Certify water quality under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act;
• Determine that LNG facilities are consistent with a state’s adopted program under the Coastal Zone Management Act; and

• Issue permits for air emissions, wastewater discharges and solid waste disposal, and require an oil spill prevention and emergency response plan.

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is responsible for drafting, issuing and ensuring compliance with necessary air quality and water quality permits. In addition, LNG projects in coastal areas require permitting according to the Coastal Zone Management Act administered by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). State reviews of permitting applications are completely separate from FERC's decision to approve or reject an overall LNG application. A proposed LNG project needs approval from FERC in addition to DEQ and DLCD for required air quality, water quality and coastal zoning permits for the project to move forward. 

LNG Projects in Oregon

• Bradwood Landing proposed project
• Jordan Cove proposed project, Coos Bay
• Oregon LNG proposed project, Warrenton (Permit applications not yet filed with DEQ)
   

 

 

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