Climate warning
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Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Climate warning

Despite strong opposition over its climate impact, the Northwestern gas pipeline expansion receives federal approval.

Despite opposition from environmental groups and West Coast state officials concerned about its climate impact and potential wildfire risks, federal regulators on Thursday granted approval for the expansion of a natural gas pipeline in the Pacific Northwest. The project, known as GTN Xpress, will increase the capacity of the Gas Transmission Northwest pipeline by approximately 150 million cubic feet (4.2 million cubic meters) of natural gas per day. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's decision allows TC Energy to modify three compressor stations along the pipeline, in Kootenai County, Idaho; Walla Walla County, Washington; and Sherman County, Oregon. Environmental groups have strongly criticized this move, with Audrey Leonard, a staff attorney for the environmental nonprofit Columbia Riverkeeper, describing it as a 'rubber stamp for unnecessary fracked gas in the Northwest' and accusing the energy agency of disregarding the concerns of U.S. senators, governors, state attorneys general, tribes, and the public.




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  • walter lungayi

    68 w

    The federal approval of the Northwestern gas pipeline expansion, despite strong opposition over its climate impact, raises concerns about prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability. It is important for decision-makers to consider alternative, renewable energy sources and the potential consequences of further reliance on fossil fuels.

    5
    • Gorffly mokua

      68 w

      This is deeply disappointing. It underscores the urgent need for more robust environmental assessments & a stronger commitment to sustainable energy alternatives.

      8
      • Peter Kamau

        68 w

        This is a totally retrogressive move that should not have seen the light of day

        6
        • rosebellendiritu

          68 w

          This is backsliding in efforts to attain zero use of fuels,it shouldn't have approved

          12
          • Jane Wangui

            68 w

            @rosebellendiritu priorities need to be set straight so that we can progress.It is sad when such projects move forward without anyone stopping them.

            1
          • CHRIS NGATIA

            68 w

            This ain't right ... Whereas others are campaigning towards closure of gas pipelines they dare to approve expansion of pipelines... Aren't they aware of the repercussions as the result of their doings

            13

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