May 2010 Decision to abandon Bradwood Landing
The recent decision by Northstar Natural Gas to suspend efforts to secure approvals to build an LNG terminal at Bradwood Landing (see May 4 Oregonian article below) is the basis for celebration. However, the need for vigilance continues, in as much as two other LNG terminals are still in the offing for Oregon, and one would still require the proposed Palomar pipeline across French Prairie (see May 8 Oregonian article below). The need for both of these projects is still highly questionable, as the majority of the gas they would provide will be transported to markets outside of Oregon, and a pipeline across French Prairie will destroy prime farmland in the process.
LNG Terminal & Northwest Natural Gas Pipeline
Northwest Natural Gas has joined a consortium of companies in a massive natural gas project that includes a liquefied natural gas terminal and pipeline. The scope and impact on Oregon is huge.
- The terminal will be on the Columbia River at one of three proposed sites….. The size of any of them is huge, and although promising significant economic development for the county they would be located in, as well as permanent new jobs, the risk associated with natural disasters such as the Dec. 4, 2007 storm, are equally large.
- A pipeline is proposed to connect the LNG terminal with the main north-south pipeline currently located on the east side of the Cascade Mountains. The route of the proposed pipeline would run approximately south toward McMinnville, then cross the Willamette River, continue south and then turn east toward Woodburn, and from there cross the Cascades to join the existing pipeline.
- Very little, if any, of this gas would be consumed by Oregonians—it would be going to California!
Is The Pipeline Needed?
Most of the media coverage to date on the project has focused on site selection and the economic boon to be delivered to the fortunate city/county in which the terminal is sited. Two major subjects arise relative to the terminal: the environmental impact on the Columbia River and the northwest corner of the state, and the risks to the area associated with natural disasters that do and could occur. So far, other than passing mention, little has been said about the impact of the pipeline on French Prairie.
True, a pipeline is a one-time passing event-it is excavated, placed, filled in and over grown. But does it end there? No. It will always be a right of way across French Prairie. It also could be the means for further pipeline development that branches off this one.
Worst of all, little (if any) of this natural gas would be used in Oregon. It has already been documented that the majority, if not all, of the natural gas would be piped to California—a state that has already denied consent to construct LNG terminals on its coast.
Some key questions need to be asked, and Oregonians should seriously ponder the answers:
- Why should Oregon be California’s gas loading dock?
- Why should Oregon take on the catastrophic and environmental risks associated with an LNG terminal that will have only limited benefit to our state?
- Why should Oregon tear up our farmland and rip a slash across French Prairie for the benefit of California?
FOFP Position on this project
FOFP is solidly against this LNG project going forward based on the risks, the lack of significant benefit to the state of Oregon and the substantial impact on French Prairie farmers and farm land. Impact of this magnitude should not be taking place for the benefit of another state that refuses to house the project itself.
Download The Oregonian articles on the LNG terminal & pipeline in PDF:
Remaining LNG projects in Oregon face uphill fight
May 8, 2010
[Download PDF here]
Backers suspend Bradwood LNG terminal Astoria
May 4, 2010
[Download PDF here]
LNG Terminal Clears hurdle in Clatsop
December 14, 2007
[Download PDF here]
LNG Terminal Clears hurdle in Clatsop
November 16, 2007
[Download PDF here]
LNG Terminal Clears hurdle in Clatsop
January 5, 2008
[Download PDF here]
Bradbury says LNG is dirty…..
February 1, 2008
[Download PDF here]
U.S.’ LNG projects in doubt after court fuling…
Apri 1, 2008
[Download PDF here]
Wyden tries to reassert states’ authority on LNG project…
April 8, 2008
[Download PDF here]
U.S.’ LNG projects in doubt after court ruling…
Apri 10, 2008
[Download PDF here]
Behind the fight for an Oregon LNG site
May 4, 2008
[Download PDF here]
Federal Regulators OK Environmental
Review for Oregon LNG Terminal
June 7, 2008
[Download PDF here]
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission puts LNG terminal on July agenda
July 11, 2008
[Download PDF here]
Kulongoski urges federal regulators to do new LNG study
July 12, 2008
[Download PDF here]
FERC removes LNG Terminal from agenda
July 16, 2008
[Download PDF here]
OP Ed: End the LNG Threat That Faces Oregon
July 18, 2008
[Download PDF here]
Federal Commission approves Bradwood Landing LNG terminal
September 18, 2008
[Download PDF here]
Fluid debate over gas supply
September 18, 2008
[Download PDF here]
Gov. Kulongoski vows to fight FERC
ruling on Bradwood Landing
January 16, 2009
[Download PDF here]
State asks court to toss Bradwood site
January 27, 2009
[Download PDF here]
Board overturns LNG terminal approval
January 27, 2009
[Download PDF here]
What can you do?
Take action today to contact your elected state and federal leaders, and express your opposition to the proposed LNG terminal and related pipeline.
Gov. Ted Kulongoski, 60 State Capitol, 900 Court Street, Salem, OR 97301 503/986-6520
| Sen. Ron Wyden | 503/326-7525 or 202/224-2544 | |
| Rep. David Wu | 503/326-2901 or 202/225-0855 | |
| Sen. Gordon H. Smith | 503/326-3386 or 202/224-3753 | |
| Rep. Darlene Hooley | 202/225-5711 |
