Positive Draft Biological Opinion for
Oregon LNG Received

On May 5, 2011 the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued a Draft Biological Opinion (DBO) for Oregon LNG and Oregon Pipeline Company. USFWS’ determination that the project will not jeopardize the at-risk species is a requirement under the Endangered Species’ Act. This is the first positive DBO for any LNG project on the West Coast.

Oregon LNG and Oregon Pipeline Company believe that our proactive, collaborative approach to environmental permitting is by far the best way forward for any large infrastructure project. And, based on the following quote from USFWS’ cover letter to FERC, it would appear that USFWS agrees with our approach: “This consultation has benefitted greatly from the upfront work by the applicant to coordinate early and often with the Service on all relevant aspects, and the courtesy reviews of draft BAs provided by the applicant and FERC. We very much appreciate and prefer this type of up-front coordination, evaluation, and negotiation to reach a final Project description.

Oregon LNG and Oregon Pipeline Company look forward to completing the permitting process for the Oregon LNG project and its associated pipeline.

The Right Solution For Growing Energy Needs

Demand for natural gas is growing in Oregon and across the Pacific Northwest. Utilities need it to supply their electricity generating plants, and Oregonians rely on it to heat their homes and business. Almost all natural gas currently used in Oregon comes from Canada and the Rocky Mountain states, but Canada is reducing exports and the Rocky Mountain region is sending more gas elsewhere. Based on current trends, Oregon will need new supplies to meet the future needs of its residents, industry and economy.

Oregon LNG’s liquefied natural gas import facility will help meet this demand by providing communities, utilities and industries with a reliable, clean energy supply.

Advantages for Oregon

By importing LNG, Oregon’s natural gas market will become more competitive and help alleviate the rising costs of natural gas. Currently, 42 percent of Oregon’s electricity is generated by coal-fired plants.* Using additional natural gas resources to generate electricity could help reduce CO2 emissions.

Other benefits include: