https://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/2023/10/readers-respond-pipeline-expansion-bad-for-climate.html
- Published: Oct. 25, 2023, 6:00 a.m.
Thank you to Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden for opposing the expansion of the Gas Transmission Northwest natural gas pipeline, (“Feds OK natural gas pipeline expansion in Pacific Northwest over environmentalist protests,” Oct. 19).
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change informs us that the fastest way to decrease the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is to curtail the use of fossil fuel methane gas. If we stop using methane we may be able to keep global warming to survivable levels (1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial temperatures).
Buildings and homes can be electrified, and methane pipes and compressor stations decommissioned. I do not understand Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s reasons for approving this damaging project.
I hope your readers will join with Columbia Riverkeepers and our elected representatives in asking FERC to reconsider its position. If readers use gas in their homes, I hope they will consider electrifying heating, cooling and cooking using the available tax breaks outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act.
Jane Stackhouse, Portland
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