Kulongoski explores options on LNG terminals

The Capital Press reports that Governor Ted Kulongoski has asked the State Attorney General to determine whether the State has the authority to deny permits to a proposed Liquified Natural Gas terminal 20 miles east of Astoria on the Columbia river.

Kulongoski has also asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to withhold permits until a more thorough assessment of the Northwest's natural gas needs has been conducted.

The moves come in response to widespread public opposition that pits farmers, fishermen, and conservationists against NorthernStar Natural Gas, a Texas-based company with ties to Enron.

The state of Oregon has some permitting authority. NorthernStar will need a water quality certification, air and water pollution discharge permits and a Coastal Zone Management Program consistency approval from the state of Oregon. Opponents urged state officials to deny those.

"Oregon can stop this project," Brent Foster, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, told officials Wednesday. "You have the power not to serve as a rubber stamp. Protect Oregon's water and air and hold these agencies responsible for enforcing Oregon law. ... None of these projects have been built where the state has been opposed."

Gary Coppedge, executive vice president of development for NorthernStar, said his company is working with all the regulatory agencies and expects to have all the required permits in place by the end of the year.