Coalition Challenges Bradwood Landing, Joined by State of Washington

Contact:
Dan Serres, Columbia Riverkeeper, (503) 890-2441
Brett VandenHeuvel, Columbia Riverkeeper (503) 348-2436

Portland, OR – Columbia Riverkeeper and partners filed a challenge in federal court today regarding the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) decision to approve the Bradwood LNG terminal.

"We are pleased that the States of Oregon and Washington have joined this challenge of FERC's illegal decision. The broad coalition opposing FERC's approval is an indictment of the Bush Administration's flawed decision and flawed energy policy" said Columbia Riverkeeper Executive Director Brett VandenHeuvel. A coalition of groups, including Columbia Riverkeeper, Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club, Washington LNG opponents, and landowners affected by the proposed sendout pipeline challenged FERC's decision.

On Thursday, the State of Washington announced that the Washington Dept. of Ecology would also file a federal court challenge. Their decision was welcomed by Washington residents who would be impacted by the project.

George Exum, Chair of Wahkiakum Friends of the River, applauded Ecology's decision. "We think it's remarkable that the FERC decision is facing challenges, not only from citizen groups, conservationists, fishermen, and farmers, but also from the States of Oregon and Washington. FERC obviously botched this process, and we support Ecology's decision to protect Washington's interests."

Dan Serres, with Columbia Riverkeeper, outlined the Coalition's reasons for appeal. "LNG is extremely unpopular due to its cost, unstable sources, and safety threats. Worse yet, there is no need to commit Oregon and Washington to another generation of foreign fossil fuel dependency."

The appellants are represented by Field Jerger LLC and the Pacific Environmental Advocacy Center.