By Alexander Rich, The World (Coos Bay, OR), February 10, 2010
The newest member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission hasn't said what he thinks of Coos Bay's liquefied natural gas project, but his comments suggest he may agree with the majority that approved it.
"I think LNG is certainly a viable process for supplying our nation's gas supplies," said John Norris in a recent interview with Platts, an energy and metals-oriented publisher that circulates information to traders and businesses.
"If there's market demand for that source, we just have to fulfill our statutory responsibility to make sure it's safe from a personal safety and environmental standpoint," Norris said.
Federal regulators have until Feb. 19 to respond to requests to re-hear Jordan Cove Energy Project's application for Coos Bay.
The decision could offer the first glimpse into how Norris will deal with LNG.
The former Iowa man was still waiting for Senate confirmation when FERC ruled 3-1 in favor of the Jordan Cove Energy Project application in December. The Senate finally gave him its blessing Christmas Eve and he took office Jan. 11. His arrival coincided with the departure of Suedeen Kelly, one of the three votes in favor of the Jordan Cove project.
Jon Barton, chairman of the South Coast Development Council, saw a report on Norris and liked what he saw. He said he was concerned about FERC when Obama appointed Jon Wellinghoff to serve as its chairman.
Wellinghoff registered the lone dissenting vote in the Jordan Cove case, arguing that alternative methods of supplying natural gas hadn't been adequately considered.
But Barton said he is happier with Obama's second nominee to FERC.
"He does not seem to come into the job with any bias, pro or con, which is precisely what the intent of the commission has been," he said
Jody McCaffree, a local LNG opponent, said the jury's still out on Norris as far as she's concerned.
"I do hope as a commissioner he attempts to balance the potential environmental and safety harm of these projects," she said.
McCaffree is one of several opponents who filed a request for rehearing with FERC last month. Oregon's governor and the National Marine Fisheries Service filed similar requests with FERC, raising concerns similar to those expressed by Wellinghoff. Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline also appealed FERC's decision over a disagreement about reimbursements.
Norris told Platts that he is still learning about gas-related issues.
Norris' is more familiar with electrical grids, having served on the state's utility board for five years. While saying he would let the market decide whether LNG terminals should be built, Norris also said the country needs a policy that reins in greenhouse gas emissions and encourages a diverse energy portfolio.
