oregon senators prepare bills to rein in eminent domain use for gas projects

摘要

Two Democratic Oregon US senators are readying legislation that would impose new constraints on the use of eminent domain for interstate natural gas projects, particularly those targeting exports. The efforts come as Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden raised concerns about the proposed Jordan Cove LNG export project and the 229-mile Pacific Connector pipeline in Oregon. The projects won approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in March but still face permitting hurdles in Oregon as well as commercial headwinds. Expected to be introduced in September, the bills would strengthen the hand of property owners faced with land condemnation along pipeline routes, and could slow some project reviews and construction timelines. The path forward for the bills is uncertain, but they present a marker in the evolving debate over implementation of the Natural Gas Act and fairness for landowners.