Palomar files formal papers to start controversial gas line

by Ted Sickinger, The Oregonian

Thursday December 11, 2008, 8:30 PM

It's official: Palomar Gas Transmission LLC filed its formal federal application Thursday to build a 217-mile natural gas pipeline from a liquefied natural gas terminal on the lower Columbia River to an interstate gas hub in central Oregon.

The controversial $800 million project is a joint venture of Northwest Natural Gas Co. and TransCanada Corp. The companies hope the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will issue a draft environmental impact statement for the project in six to eight months and win final approval in late 2009. They hope to complete construction in November 2011.

"The land board has full authority to deny the state land lease for LNG," said Brett VandenHeuvel, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper. "The board's statement today ... indicates that the board recognizes that we do not need more foreign fossil fuels."

-- Ted Sickinger:

tedsickinger@news.oregonian.com

Complete article:
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2008/12/palomar_files_formal_papers_to.html