The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) voted 2-1 Thursday to approve the Jordan Cove liquefied natural gas project in Oregon, but it still has some barriers in its way. KDNK’s Lucas Turner has more.
The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel reports the application approval, previously rejected by the FERC is a major milestone for Jordan Cove. But the project still faces regulatory hurdles at the state level. The proposed export terminal in Coos Bay, Oregon could liquefy over 1 billion cubic feet of gas per day for export to global markets.
FERC Commissioner Richard Glick cast the opposition vote, saying the project violates the requirements of the Natural Gas Act and NEPA, the National Environmental Policy Act. Glick also says the order fails to consider the climate impacts of the project’s greenhouse gas emissions, and that it would significantly impact 20 threatened and endangered species, historic properties, and short term housing.
The order gives Jordan Cove the ability to immediately begin taking land via eminent domain for the pipeline, even though the construction of the project’s export terminal is still not assured.
FERC Commissioner Bernard McNamee voted in favor of the project. He says the environmental impacts are acceptable, considering the public benefits that will be provided by the project.