Oregon Denies Jordan Cove LNG on Eve of FERC Decision

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

CONTACT: 

Allie Rosenbluth, allie@rogueclimate.org, 541-816-2240

Oregon Denies Jordan Cove LNG on Eve of FERC Decision

[SALEM, OR] - On Wednesday evening, the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DCLD) denied the Coastal Zone Management Act “Federal Consistency Review” for the Jordan Cove LNG export terminal and Pacific Connector fracked gas pipeline. This is another significant blow to the Jordan Cove LNG project, which, after 15 years and fierce opposition, has failed to qualify for critical state permits for the project. 

In their denial, DLCD determined that “the coastal adverse effects from the project will be significant and undermine the vision set forth by the Oregon Coastal Management Plan and its enforceable policies.” DLCD stated, “Jordan Cove has failed to establish consistency.”

This follows previous failures to qualify for permits from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Department of State Lands.

“Three strikes and you’re out! Jordan Cove LNG has failed to qualify for three critical permits from the state of Oregon. Jordan Cove LNG has no viable path forward. It’s time for Pembina to leave southern Oregon for good so our communities can focus on building local jobs in renewable energy instead,” said Ashley Audycki, Rogue Climate’s Coos Bay Organizer.

With this denial, DLCD has also asserted that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) cannot grant a permit to Jordan Cove LNG. FERC is set to make a decision on a federal permit for the Jordan Cove LNG project at their meeting Thursday at 7AM PST/10AM EST.

“Governor Kate Brown has stated that she would explore ‘all available options’ to defend the state’s well established authority to protect our communities’ land, water, air, and existing small businesses and jobs,” said Stacey Detwiler of Rogue Riverkeeper. “The current federal administration may challenge Oregon DLCD’s action. However, the federal administration cannot trample the Oregon laws that protect our clean water, clean air, and state lands.”

“Oregon has rightfully asserted that FERC must not consider a permit for this project until Jordan Cove LNG has qualified for its state permits,” said Courtney Johnson, Executive Director and Staff Attorney at Crag Law Center. “Oregon has concluded that the Jordan Cove LNG project would have significant adverse effects on the state's coast and without permits from the state of Oregon, Jordan Cove LNG cannot move forward.”

“Oregon has spoken once again. Jordan Cove LNG does not meet Oregon’s standards that are in place to protect the South Coast and the commercial and recreational fishing industry that our communities rely on,” said Mike Graybill, Coos County resident and former Manager of the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. 

"I am both grateful and thankful to the state of Oregon for upholding the protections of the local citizens, fisheries, and wildlife that the Coastal Zone encompasses," said Chris Press, an impacted landowner in Coos County. "Oregon has made the right decision to stand with landowners and deny another permit for the Jordan Cove LNG export project.”

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