Goal One Coalition has joined numerous groups across Oregon to prevent the development of LNG operations in our state.

About LNG 

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas converted to liquid for easier transport.  The gas is liquefied by cooling it to approximately -260°F.  The cooling process reduces the volume, making it easier to store and transport.  This conversion takes place at liquefaction plants in exporting countries such as Algeria, Indonesia, and Trinidad and Tobago.  The LNG is then transported by tanker to countries including the US and Japan.  The LNG tankers dock at terminals where they pump the LNG into storage tanks.  The LNG is then regasified and transported through natural gas pipelines to natural gas markets.  The relatively high cost associated with production and transportation has thus far prevented widespread use. 

Effects of LNG 

Economic
In Oregon, LNG terminals threaten the Columbia River’s 100+ million dollar per year commercial fishing industry.  Additionally, there is not enough demand for LNG in Oregon to justify harming Oregon’s valuable fishing industry.  In fact, LNG would actually increase natural gas prices because LNG costs significantly more to produce than domestic natural gas.

Environmental
LNG is also detrimental to the environment.  First, LNG is inferior to natural gas as a source of energy.  Energy needed to liquefy, transport, and regasify LNG adds 20 to 40 percent more carbon dioxide than burning natural gas alone.  In addition to being a higher emitter of greenhouse gases than the natural gas found in our own country, the LNG terminals themselves will degrade Oregon’s natural resources.  In order to construct an LNG terminal, significant dredging must occur on the Columbia River.  Dredging will result in serious degradation of the most critical salmon nursery habitat in the entire Columbia River watershed.  In Coos Bay, the dredging will threaten a wide range of threatened and endangered species, as well as critical salmon habitat.  Additionally, the proposed gas pipelines cut through important National Forest habitats for endangered and threatened species including the Northern spotted owls and other species.  In total, the pipelines would create over 500 miles of permanent clear cuts.

Health and Safety
LNG also threatens the health and safety of our communities.  In case of a leak, LNG vaporizes into a gas.  The ignition of this gas would create dangerous explosions and fire.  Because of this risk of explosion, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has had heightened concerns over the security of LNG terminals since the attacks of September 11, 2001.

LNG and Land Use  

One way to prevent the construction of LNG terminals is to challenge the permitting process for these terminals under local and state land use laws.  In Oregon, the statewide planning goals seek to protect Oregon’s precious natural resources such as marine estuaries, wetlands, open spaces, and valuable fishing areas.  LNG terminals and pipelines threaten these resources, in violation of both local and statewide planning goals. 

Goal One Coalition is at the forefront of efforts to uphold land use laws and prevent the construction of proposed LNG terminals along Oregon’s coast. Currently, Goal One is appealing the local decision approving NorthernStar’s Bradwood Landing project in Astoria, Oregon.  This project is being planned for a site 38 miles up the Columbia River.  Goal One is collaborating with other organizations, including Columbia Riverkeeper, to halt this LNG project.

There is another proposed LNG project for Coos Bay, Oregon.  The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) has remanded Coos County’s approval of a conditional use permit for the Jordan Cove Energy Project (JCEP) LNG facility on the North Spit of Coos Bay.Finally, the proposed Oregon LNG project in Warrenton, Oregon is still under appeal to LUBA.

LNG and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) process  

LNG projects must also be approved by FERC.  Under the Natural Gas Act, FERC has the exclusive authority to approve or deny applications for LNG terminals and pipelines.  Visit the sites below for more information regarding the FERC permitting process.

        A Guide to LNG: What All Citizens Should Know (see page 8 for ways citizens can become involved in the LNG permitting process)

        FERC EIS for Bradwood Landing LNG Project

LNG in the News

        Liquified natural gas companies shifting to larger transport ships
        August 18, 2008 The Register-Guard

        LNG plant may pose risk to planes, state senator says
        August 20, 2008 The Register-Guard

        LNG terminal foes seek state
        Aug. 20, 2008 The Oregonian

        End the LNG Threat that Faces Oregon
        July 18, 2008 The Oregonian