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Just a point about permits for LNG terminals:
I currently work for OR DEQ and previously worked for Washington State Department of Ecology where I've had responsibilites for permits related to natural gas infrastructure. Currently, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) can override state laws. So permits issued on the basis of state law may be ignored. State permits issued under the delegated authority of a federal law given to a state to implement (such as a 401 permit for in-the-water work which is required by the federal Clean Waer Act but issued by the state) can not be ignored by FERC but what is important to note is that these laws often limit the basis for the state to deny the permit to enivironmental concerns that can not be mitigated or false information. We can not deny based on reasons such as need for the facility. The land use approval process, which for the Bradwood Landing LNG proposal has already been issued by the local government, is the first and most important step in permitting in Oregon. If a project passes this step, the legal basis for denial allowed under environmental laws are more limited.

posted 5 years ago
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