Oregon Public Broadcasting

The liquefied natural gas company, Northern Star, is applauding a federal decision Thursday giving final approval to a terminal proposed for the Columbia River. But as Rob Manning reports, the ruling faces an appeal.

Bradwood Landing won initial approval last September, but Northwest leaders and environmental groups forced a re-hearing. They argued that the initial decision lacked good scientific data about potential risks.

Brett Vanden Heuvel with Columbia Riverkeeper says the decision from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is illegal - and will be appealed.

Brett Vanden Heuvel: “The law is very clear. It’s black and white that FERC must get approval, from Oregon and Washington, that the project meets their water quality laws.”

In a press release, FERC repeated its view that such concerns can be met in the thorough processes and conditions the project has to meet in the future.

Governor Kulongoski and new Attorney General, John Kroger, say they support an appeal, as well.