LNG is a natural gas that has been transformed into a liquid state so it can be shipped between areas without an overland gas pipeline connection. LNG, therefore, requires import/export terminals where it can be transferred from transport ships to land pipelines and reconstituted from a liquid state to a gaseous state. There are currently three proposals under consideration for building LNG import terminals in Oregon. Two along the lower Columbia River and one at Coos Bay.

Citizens Utility Board, of which I am a member, is opposed to the development of these terminals for a number of reasons. At present, there is no market need to warrant the construction of these terminals. Natural gas imported into the state over the past two years has traded at one-fourth to one-half the price of the LNG international price. Oregon consumers would not see any benefit from importing higher-priced gas than what’s available here. Also, these terminals could be modified to export American natural gas to the global LNG market, forcing Oregon utilities and their customers to pay rates competitive with more expensive overseas markets. This international connection would not serve any local needs seeing that Oregon’s natural gas supply already outstrips its demand, but terminals could significantly drive up Oregon’s gas prices. In either direction the flow of natural gas through Oregon to the international market is likely to inflate prices for consumers.

Economic analysis aside, LNG import terminals are an undesirable option for a much more basic reason: the health and safety of the community. LNG terminals have the potential to cause substantial environmental damage through gas leakage and increase carbon dioxide emissions from tankers and the conversion process.

LNG import terminals should have no place in Oregon. According to a recent Oregon Department of Energy Review, our state already has access to plenty of low-cost domestic natural gas. Oregon could get more at a lower cost than imported LNG with a new pipeline emerging from the Rocky Mountains. We repeat, imported LNG runs the risks of increased energy costs and environmental contamination that could take a toll health wise. Let’s keep Oregon a desirable place that promotes safe, low-cost and environmentally conscious energy development and voice your opposition to LNG terminals.

Louise Mincer

Port Orford