Statement on proposed LNG terminal at Bradwood Landing

March 15, 2007

Statement from Sen. Brian Hatfield (D-Raymond), Rep. Brian Blake (D-Aberdeen) and Rep. Dean Takko (D-Longview) regarding the proposed Bradwood Landing Liquified Natural Gas terminal and pipeline:

“We oppose the siting of the proposed liquefied natural gas terminal at Bradwood Landing and the proposed natural gas pipeline through Cowlitz County, due to grave concerns over the cumulative effects of the project. Specifically, the security and safety problems identified in the Coast Guard’s preliminary report, effects on shipping and recreation, eminent domain issues, and environmental risks outweigh any potential economic benefits.

The Feb. 28 Coast Guard report clearly stated the Bradwood Landing site was unsuitable without extensive measures to improve safety and security. The project’s security requirements alone will have a strong impact not only on Oregon, but on Puget Island half a mile across from Bradwood.

The proposed pipeline also presents a serious problem. Private property owners are worried because of landslide and seismic issues, past pipeline explosions in Cowlitz County, and eminent domain problems. The costs to local and state authorities for eminent domain and siting would be tremendous.

Finally, any possible jobs created by the terminal could be offset by damage to the commercial fishing industry and costs from blocking the shipping lanes. Possible interruptions of existing and future shipping will be detrimental to the region’s economy.

We understand that the LNG plant siting is solely a federal decision; however the people and the towns in Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon have to live with that siting decision. The 2005 energy bill passed by Congress gave the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), comprised of five individuals, sole authority to make siting decisions for the entire country. We support Congressman Baird’s efforts to convey to the entire United States Congress the strong opposition brought to his attention by an informed and committed constituency.

We strongly urge FERC and the federal government to listen to the concerns of the Coast Guard, local residents, federal, state and local elected officials, and find a more suitable location for the LNG terminal and pipeline."

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Sen. Brian Hatfield: 360.786.7636, Hatfield.Brian@leg.wa.gov, http://sdc.leg.wa.gov/hatfield.htm 

Rep. Brian Blake: 360.786.7870, Blake.Brian@leg.wa.gov, http://housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/blake 

Rep. Dean Takko: 360.786.7806, Takko.Dean@leg.wa.gov, http://housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/takko 

Staff: Larry Clark, 360.786.7214, Clark.Larry@leg.wa.gov