Western lawmakers push for approval of Oregon gas export terminal

Fourteen lawmakers from Western states wrote a letter Monday pushing federal regulators to approve a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal in Oregon.

The lawmakers, led by Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), said the Jordan Cove Project in Coos Bay, Ore., is a key to realizing new economic benefits for the natural gas industry in their states.

{mosads}“The Jordan Cove Project is essential to ensure that Rocky Mountain states and Indian tribes have the opportunity to access overseas markets and enjoy the economic benefits of LNG exports,” they wrote.

Officials from the Energy Department approved last Marc exports from the Jordan Cove Project to countries with which the United States does not have a free trade agreement, ruling that such exports would be in the national interest.

But the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) must still complete its separate review of the project, including an analysis of its environmental impacts.

Barrasso and the other lawmakers encouraged FERC Chairwoman Cheryl LaFleur to complete her agency’s process “as soon as possible.”

“Natural gas production serves as a foundation to the economies of Rocky Mountain states, including Colorado, Utah and Wyoming, and Indian tribes, including the Ute Indian Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe,” they said.

“Natural gas production provides our communities with tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.”

Barrasso last week introduced a bill that would set a 45-day limit on the Energy Department’s national interest determination process.