Tell Kitz: No Permit for the Port!

Recent admission by Jordan Cove LNG that they want to export U.S. natural gas through southern Oregon adds more concern to an already problematic proposal. We are asking Governor Kitzhaber to direct the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) to deny the Port of Coos Bay’s application for the Jordan Cove LNG terminal.

On August 3, 2011, Governor Kitzhaber stated, “I fully expect and will demand that Oregon agencies with a regulatory role relating to LNG facilities scrutinize applications carefully, and deny applications that do not meet applicable state and local standards.”

DSL has announced it will make a decision on the Port of Coos Bay’s application for an enormous dredging project by this Friday, December 16^th. It looks as if they are going to approve the permit. If DSL grants this permit, with an incomplete and outdated application, and with NO public hearing, the Governor and the State of Oregon would sidestep an opportunity for the state to have a legitimate permitting process.

Your participation is imperative to protect communities all along the pipeline route and Coos Bay.

DSL received more than 3,000 comments opposing the Port’s application and we need our Governor to stand with Oregonians.

Fill out your name, and click Send!

Subject:

Your Letter:

Governor Kitzhaber, Mr. Whitman and Mr. Brownscombe,

We are extremely concerned about DSL pending decision regarding the Port of Coos Bay's application for the Jordan Cove LNG terminal. This is a state permitting process that needs to be held to a high standard.

Governor Kitzhaber needs to direct DSL to uphold the State's permitting process to a reasonable standard by requiring an updated and completed application, or by denying the application.

1. The State of Oregon needs to scrutinize all applications carefully. In August, 2011 Governor Kitzhaber said, “I fully expect and will demand that Oregon agencies with a regulatory role relating to LNG facilities scrutinize applications carefully, and deny applications that do not meet applicable state and local standards.” We are asking the Governor to stand by his words, and require DSL to have a legitimate process by requiring a current and updated application for the Port of Coos Bay for an LNG EXPORT terminal.
   2. The Port’s application to DSL is all about LNG. In the application from the Port to DSL, Jordan Cove LNG is listed as the purpose and need for the project. This permit is clearly about LNG – and it needs to be denied.
   3. The state should require an updated and accurate application from the Port. The Port’s application discusses Jordan Cove LNG as an import terminal. Jordan Cove recently admitted their intention to export U.S. natural gas from Coos Bay and they just received a certificate from U.S. Department of Energy to export LNG. DSL should not give approval based on the Port’s outdated application. The Port should re-submit a new application with this significant new information.
   4. LNG exports will harm Oregon.  The Governor should take a firm stand against LNG exports, which harm landowners, salmon streams, forests, and would increase natural gas rates for all rate-payers.
   5. DSL should immediately deny the Port of Coos Bay’s application for massive dredging and excavation in Coos Bay.  The Port seeks a permit to dredge 5.7 million cubic yards for a berth that would be used for LNG exports. The application should be denied because it is misleading and it harms Oregonians.

John Kitzhaber

Governor, State of Oregon

Richard Whitman

Office of the Gov. Natural Resources Policy Director

Brett Brownscombe

Policy Advisor, Natural Resources, Office of the Governor

OR