Governor calls on FERC to withdraw Bradwood Landing final report
Governor asks FERC to halt until state permitting process is complete
(Salem) – Governor Ted Kulongoski today asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to withdraw the final environmental impact statement on the Bradwood Landing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal project and not to make any further decisions until Oregon’s concerns are addressed and the state permitting process is complete.
“FERC’s report represents a failure to be accountable to the people of Oregon,” Governor Kulongoski said. “The disregard for Oregon’s concerns is unacceptable, particularly on a project with such profound potential impacts on the lives of Oregonians.”
The Governor’s decision today follows FERC’s dismissal of his request in May for a supplemental environmental impact statement (EIS). The Governor made that request because the project proposal changed substantially since the draft EIS was issued in August 2007 and because significant new information concerning the project was submitted by the applicants.
Federal statute and case law require FERC to issue a supplemental EIS when there are significant new circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns. The public must also be provided an opportunity to comment on the new information.
Furthermore, FERC is not requiring mitigation plans be fully developed before making a decision on a license. The Governor believes FERC should require that any mitigation plans be specific and be based on effective and proven methods.
“Oregon has the right under federal law to have our concerns addressed before any final federal determination is made, but FERC chose to disregard my request” the Governor said. “FERC should not issue any license until it issues a revised DEIS and makes that available for public comment.”
Specifically, the Governor contends FERC should not issue any license before the state completes the permitting process with regard to the Clean Water Act and the Coastal Zone Management Act.
Included with the Governor’s letter is a compilation of state agency comments on the project and a follow-up letter from the Oregon Department of Energy which reiterates that Canadian and domestic natural gas supplies are an adequate alternative and should be considered when determining how to meet Oregon’s future demands for natural gas.
To read the Governor's letter to FERC and accompanying documents, click here.
Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503.378.6169
Rem Nivens, 503.378.6496
Jillian Schoene, 503.378.5040
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