Federal Regulators Approve Natural Gas Pipeline Expansion Despite Opposition

Commission approves expansion of natural gas pipeline despite opposition from states and officials who argue it threatens climate goals and wildfire risks.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved the Gas Transmission Northwest XPress Project (GTNXP) by TC Energy, a major natural gas expansion in the Pacific Northwest. The project will upgrade three existing compressor stations, increasing capacity by 150,000 dekatherms per day, enough to power approximately 500,000 additional homes in the region.
The project has been lauded by GOP lawmakers and labor unions in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington, who have called on FERC to issue the certificate as it is deemed crucial for maintaining energy affordability and reliability in the area.
Environmental groups, Democratic officials, and West Coast states have opposed the project, citing concerns about climate change, wildfire risks, and TC Energy's safety record. They argue that the project goes against the region's plans to transition to 100% clean electricity by 2040 and 2045.
The project faced multiple delays in approval due to pressure from Democrats and environmental groups. Despite numerous concerns, FERC has stated there was 'no evidence presented that this project would significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions'.
Audrey Leonard, staff attorney for Columbia Riverkeeper, an environmental nonprofit, has stated they will appeal FERC's decision and submit a petition for a rehearing. Concerns center around potential environmental harm and risks of spills or explosions on the pre-existing pipeline that dates back to the 1960s.