The huge natural gas pipeline in the Pacific Northwest is about to be expanded in a huge blow to the Democrats’ fight against climate change.
Approval for Gas Pipeline Expansion
Federal regulators have granted their approval for an extensive expansion of a natural gas pipeline in the Pacific Northwest, a devastating blow for Democrat politicians and environmental protestors.
The GTN Xpress Project
The GTN Xpress, as it has been called, sets out to boost the capacity of the existing Gas Transmission Northwest pipeline, a crucial energy infrastructure.
Where It Runs
This extensive pipeline system runs its course through three states: Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, serving as a significant energy conduit for these regions.
Daily Gas Increase
As part of this expansion effort, the aim is to increase the daily capacity of natural gas transported through the pipeline by a substantial 150 million cubic feet.
Compressor Stations Function
Compressor stations are essentially the heart of any gas pipeline, ensuring that the gas is propelled efficiently and safely along its journey, and three are being placed in Kootenai County (Idaho), Walla Walla County (Washington), and Sherman County (Oregon).
Environmental Concerns
This decision has not been without its share of controversy, with several environmental advocacy groups expressing deep reservations about the potential repercussions.
Opposition to Climate Policies
Idaho’s Republican governor and other representatives from the state have strongly opposed the idea, arguing that adopting climate policies from other states would be misguided.
Safety Records
The company responsible for this project, TC Energy, has faced significant criticism due to a less-than-pristine safety track record.
Previous incidents have raised concerns among stakeholders.
Keystone XL Connection
TC Energy, notably, was the company behind the Keystone XL crude oil pipeline, which eventually became defunct, loading almost 600,000 gallons of bitumen oil over the floors of Kansas.
Justifying the Controversial Project
From the perspective of TC Energy, the expansion is deemed necessary to meet the growing demands of consumers in the region.
The project is positioned as a response to this escalating need for natural gas.
Governor’s Opposition
Prominent political figures, like Washington Governor Jay Inslee, a Democrat, have spoken out against the expansion project, arguing that it’s “incompatible with our climate laws.”
Senator’s Concerns
Elected officials, particularly U.S. Senators from California, Oregon and Washington, have voiced their apprehensions “GTN Xpress represents a significant expansion of methane gas infrastructure at a time when California, Oregon, and Washington are moving away from fossil fuels,” they said.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The attorneys general of the three states have taken issue with the project on the basis of potential greenhouse gas emissions. Still, the chairman of the regulatory agency has a different view.
Regulatory Chairman’s Stance
The chairman of the regulatory agency remains firm in the belief that the project will not lead to a substantial increase in greenhouse gas emissions, “There was no evidence presented that this project would significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
An Essential Piece to the Puzzle?
“The commission determined that this project was needed and therefore we support its approval,” claimed the chairman.
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