Liquid Natural Gas on the Columbia

Four Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals are slated for sitting on the Columbia River near our home. LNG terminals are huge, dangerous, potential terrorist targets, ugly, and lower property values. One of the terminals is planned to be located about 1/2 mile from the end of Puget Island, on the Oregon shore. Our area, with 800 people on Puget Island and about the same in Cathlamet (1 1/2 miles from the site) is described by the development company as "desolate." These terminals with their huge ships will forever change the landscape of Puget Island and will impact commercial and recreational fishing, the environment, and quality of life for those forced to look at the terminal and endure the lights as well as the noise. Oregon will reap the benefits (if there really are any) while Wahkiakum County and specifically Puget Island will shoulder the risks.

But here is the BIG ISSUE right now: The congessional house passed the National Energy Bill last week by 45 votes, including a provision that allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to site LNG terminals over state objections. This energy bill is slated to to be voted on in the Senate soon. Please contact your Senators, both Democrat and Republican, and ask that they remove this provision from the energy bill. This  is a state's rights issue that cannot be ignored! For more information, click onto Columbia RiverVision. 

Comments

[andrew]

Judy: My understanding is that the Feds already have the ultimate siting authority, but I may be wrong. For those who want more info (without the hype), check out my post last month: http://www.kazablog.com/2005/04/heres-your-earth-day-homework-learn.html

[Judy Bright]

Andrew,
Thanks for the info and your post. I don't think that the feds have ultimate authority at this time, but I'm not an expert (yet). Please let me know if have have more up-to-date information.

[Mike Buettner]

Who authorizes siting of LNG Facilities?
Under the Natural Gas Act, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has primary jurisdiction over the siting and operation of onshore LNG facilities and offshore facilities in state waters, whereas the Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) have jurisdiction under the Deep Water Port Act for the siting and operation of offshore LNG facilities in Federal waters. Many states are questioning whether FERC has sole jurisdiction in the siting of LNG facilities, or whether states also have a legal part to play in protecting their citizens. The State of California is currently challenging FERC role in court, and FERC has asked Congress to give them sole authority in provisions of the current Energy Bill.

[Alexnid]

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