WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Congressman David Wu made the following statement about the future of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Oregon:

“I have worked consistently to make sure that Oregonians are able to decide the future of their community when it comes to LNG.  I have been listening carefully to the opinions of those across my district, and have been particularly concerned with those in Clatsop County, who will be most directly affected by this energy decision.

During the September referendum in Clatsop County, citizens spoke out against LNG two to one.  Although the referendum asked voters about the placement of natural gas pipelines through local parklands, it can be considered a reasonable proxy for the merits of LNG in Clatsop County, and I intend to represent the voters’ interests.

When FERC granted conditional approval for the Bradwood Landing facility, it placed 109 environmental and safety conditions on the facility's approval, 75 of which would need to be met in order to break ground.

I intend to exercise stringent oversight to make sure that those conditions are all fully met and that state processes are respected.  If necessary, I will also introduce legislation in the House to return control over LNG siting to the states, similar to Senator Wyden’s legislation in the Senate.

I have long been concerned that LNG was never intended to be solely for local consumption.  The economic model for the facility depends on exports, and I would prefer that Oregon not serve as an energy farm for somewhere else.

If I had been convinced that LNG was our economic salvation, I would have been in favor of it.  If I believed that it was a tremendous safety hazard, I would have opposed it.  Since a convincing case has not been made on either side, I think it is my role to support the views of Clatsop County citizens and the future that they have chosen.”