Jordan Cove LNG Terminal & Pacific Connector Pipeline

WELC has worked against the Jordan Cove LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Terminal and Pacific Connector Pipeline in Oregon for 12 years. It would represent the largest construction project in the state’s history and the largest climate polluter in Oregon. We achieved a huge victory in 2016 when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) denied the developers’ application, determining that the public benefits of the project are too few to outweigh its costs. This was the first and only time FERC denied an application for an LNG terminal.

But now, developers have filed a new application, and the pro-fossil fuel administration in Washington D.C. has overlooked the project’s flaws, granting FERC approval. The project has failed to earn any necessary state permits, but that could change with alterations to its plans. This Canadian company’s proposed pipeline would bring fracked gas from the Intermountain West to the Oregon coast where it would be exported to Asia, with Oregonians assuming the risk. The 200+ mile pipeline would clear cut a corridor at least 50 feet wide across rivers and national forests, impacting riparian reserves, old growth groves, and recreational trails (including a crossing of the Pacific Crest Trail). Endangered and threatened fish species such as Chinook salmon, coho salmon, chum salmon, steelhead, coastal cutthroat trout, pacific lamprey, river lamprey, and green sturgeon would all be impacted. If built, it would be the largest greenhouse gas emitting facility in Oregon.

We’re now suing to overturn FERC’s approval of the project. Even though Jordan Cove failed to secure even one necessary state permit, that could change, and the project still requires federal approval. Federal approval is the keystone to the Jordan Cove Project, and because of the project’s glaring climate, clean water, and other ecological impacts, we aim to knock out that flawed federal approval.

Partners

Citizens for Renewables

Friends of Living Oregon Waters (FLOW)

Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility

Oregon Women’s Land Trust

Related Documents

• Response Brief for FERC (7.6.21)
• Reply Brief for Landowners, NGOs, and Tribes (7.6.21)
• Reply Addendum for Landowners, etc. (7.6.21)
• Opening Brief for Tribes (7.5.21)
• Opening Brief for State of Oregon (7.6.21)
• Opening Brief for Landowners, NGOs (7.5.21)
• Reply Brief for State of Oregon (6.17.21)
• Order granting authorizations (3.19.21)
• Jordan Cove LNG FERC Lawsuit News Release (5.27.20)
• Petition for Review of FERC Approval (5.27.20)
• FERC Approval of Jordan Cove LNG Project (3.19.20)
• Oregon Denial of Coastal Zone Management Plan permit (2.16.20)
• Oregon Denial of 401 Water Quality Certification permit (5.6.19)
• FERC Order Denying Rehearing (12.9.16)
• WELC Comments on the DEIS (2.13.15)
• WELC Summary of Recent Science-Climate Impacts of Natural Gas Production and LNG Export (8.7.14)
• FERC Order Revoking Five-Year Authority to Build (4.16.12)
• Petition for FERC License Rehearing (1.16.10)

Staff

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