Oregon Public Broadcasting

A 680-mile natural gas pipeline between Wyoming and Oregon cleared a major governmental hurdle this week.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission signed off on a preliminary environmental report for the Ruby Pipeline.

Central Oregon correspondent Ethan Lindsey reports.

The proposed pipeline would run from southwest Wyoming, through Utah and Nevada, and then cross into Oregon near Lakeview.

Houston’s El Paso Corp. says the project is key to expanding natural gas exports to California and the west.

Brent Fenty is with the Oregon Natural Desert Association. He says, originally, environmentalists objected to the pipeline crossing through the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada.

Brent Fenty: “You know, my understanding is that they have adjusted the pipeline route to avoid impacts on the refuge.”

Fenty says he remains concerned about sage grouse habitat and pronghorn migration.

The federal energy draft report found the project would have adverse environmental impacts but most could be mitigated by the company.

Developers say they want to have the pipeline flowing by March of 2011.