Groups opposed to a natural gas pipeline and export terminal in southwest Oregon celebrated Tuesday during a rally at the Oregon Department of State Lands. But they said the fight against the project isn’t over.
The Jordan Cove Project withdrew its application for a key state permit in advance of a key state deadline. That came after the Department of State Lands turned down a request to extend the deadline. It’s a major setback for the proposed pipeline and export terminal.
But Pam Ordway, whose family owns land in the path of the pipeline in Douglas County, told people at the rally that she remains vigilant. “While we absolutely want to take time to celebrate this victory, we are not yet ready to exhale," she said. "We are very much aware that even though we’ve won this battle, the war is far from over.”
That’s because the Canadian energy company behind the project is awaiting a decision expected this month in a federal approval process. Some observers say Pembina will argue that a green-light from the feds will supersede state law.
For now, the company isn't saying much. "The next major milestone in Jordan Cove’s regulatory process will be the final determination by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on February 13, 2020, at which time we will determine our path forward,” company spokesman Paul Vogel told Jefferson Public Radio late last month.
