“Oregon is a leader in the fight against climate chaos, and the GTN XPress project would only undermine these critical efforts, which is why I oppose the expansion and am urging FERC to do the same,” said Senator Merkley. “Expanding methane gas production locks in more pollution and worsens climate chaos. We’re already facing increasing challenges from climate chaos, including terrifying megafires, blankets of smoke, and record drought that’s pummeling our agricultural economy. Rather than helping Americans, the GTN XPress would support a market for dirty fossil gas overseas. This project is incompatible with the climate goals we need to hit to save our farming, our fishing, and our forests, and I strongly encourage FERC to listen to the concerns of Oregonians. We have other safer, cleaner, and more sustainable alternatives.”

The GTN XPress proposal would increase compression on the existing GTN pipeline by expanding compressor stations in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. The Attorneys General of Oregon, Washington, and California have urged FERC to deny the proposal, explaining that GTN XPress would hinder the region’s ability to meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.

“FERC failed to hold a hearing on this controversial proposal to push more fracked gas through an aging pipeline. So, our communities held one ourselves. The verdict was clear: FERC should deny GTN XPress,” said Maig Tinnin, Rogue Valley Coordinator for Rogue Climate. “People all over the Northwest oppose TC Energy’s plan to expand fracked gas in our region, where we are working hard to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.”

Elke and Alysia Littleleaf, members of the Warm Springs Tribe and fishing guides on the Deschutes River, highlighted the problems of pipeline expansion increasing the impacts of climate change and safety risks through the area where they live and work. “We can’t sit back and act like nothing is going on when there is a pipeline expansion trying to slip in,” said Alysia Littleleaf.