GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — A liquefied natural gas terminal proposed for Oregon that would give producers in the Piceance Basin an outlet to reach customers on the Pacific Rim is one step closer to approval.
The Veresen Inc. terminal received environmental approval last week, though the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will have final say on the project in December, reported the Grand Junction Sentinel.
Several western Colorado organizations back the development of the $7 billion Jordan Cove terminal in Coos Bay.
“If we have this facility, it cuts nine days off the shipping time to Asian markets,” said Bonnie Petersen, executive director of the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado.
The terminal would export gas collected in northwest Colorado and sent to Oregon through the Ruby Pipeline. Natural gas could be shipped from the terminal as early as 2020.
“Continued support from producers and producing states is always appreciated and helpful,” said Veresen spokesman Charles Deister.
Last week’s environmental approval included an outline of actions necessary to offset the terminal, according to David Ludlam, executive director of the West Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association.
He said environmental effects would be minimal and that the terminal “would have a multitude of benefits for our area and for our economy.”
Conservation groups and private landowners have challenged the pipeline that would carry the natural gas across Oregon to the terminal. Opponents have said they will take legal action to halt the project if necessary.
