The Jordan Cove LNG facility, which would have been the first LNG export terminal on the US West Coast, has been shelved by Pembina Pipeline.
Jordan Cove was originally envisioned as an LNG import terminal when development began in 2007, but switched to an export terminal in 2013 as shale gas from the US and Canada became prevalent.
Pembina, a Canadian company, would have exported natural gas from Canada that would have been delivered by the 230-mile (370.1 kilometer) Pacific Connector pipeline.
The terminal and associated pipeline had been facing numerous difficulties in recent years, primarily with the state of Oregon. State regulators refused to certify the terminal, citing its failure to meet state water quality standards.
The project had difficulties with the federal government as well. While the original import terminal was certified by the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Ferc) in 2009, it was forced to re-apply when the project was altered in 2013.
Ferc refused to authorize the project in 2016, only to change its mind in 2020. At that time, Ferc said Jordan Cove “would have economic and public benefits, including benefits to the local and regional economy.”
However, Ferc refused to overrule Oregon’s refusal to authorize the project.
Other federal agencies remained in opposition. The US Department of Commerce said the potential damage to the Oregon coast and Native American communities, while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Jordan Cove would be “inconsistent” with the Coastal Zone Management Act.
Pembina indicated the project was likely endangered when it put the project on an indefinite hold in April. A District of Columbia circuit court ruling in November noted the pause and said Ferc had 90 days to re-assess its authorization to build Jordan Cove.
Ferc, in its response to the court, said it would require Pembina to clarify its plans by December 1, On Wednesday, the Jordan Cove website was gone, replaced by a brief statement from the company.
“Pembina Pipeline Corporation has decided to pause the development of Jordan Cove LNG as we reassess the impact of recent regulatory decisions,” the statement said.
“While we continue to believe in the strategic rationale of Jordan Cove, in light of current regulatory and political uncertainty, our decision reflects our steadfast commitment to our financial guardrails, our disciplined and prudent approach to capital allocation, and our commitment to comprehensively mitigating risk on this project.”
For more information visit www.pembina.com
