Safety - The process to site a proposed natural gas terminal is inadequate, U.S. House Democrats say
Saturday, March 08, 2008
CHARLES POPE - The Oregonian Staff
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, backed by Oregon's three other Democratic House members, demanded Friday that the federal government consider Oregon's concerns about the location of a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal.
DeFazio along with Reps. David Wu, Earl Blumenauer and Darlene Hooley told the chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission about the "inadequacy" of the process for determining whether the facility is built and where.
"As you know, the proposed LNG facilities in Oregon do pose some significant environmental and safety challenges, while the question of need is being left to the market to answer," the letter said. "We would appreciate FERC's insight and expertise into the question of need, before our constituents are asked to grapple with the safety and environmental obstacles.
"And finally, we encourage FERC to work collaboratively with the state of Oregon because we believe that there are several state agencies that can offer significant resources regarding the question of siting an LNG facility in Oregon."
DeFazio said in an interview that he's worried the federal government will approve the facility without adequately taking into account local concerns. Asked if Oregon should hold a veto on the project, DeFazio said, "absolutely."
Friday's letter is similar in tone and substance to one sent last month by Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., and yet another by Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski.
FERC must approve the application if the LNG facility is to move forward. The commission has not said how long it will take before a decision is made.
Charles Pope: 202-383-7819; charles.pope@newhouse.com
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