Liquefied natural gas (LNG) received a nod as one option to be included in the Oregon Business Plan’s effort to implement “a comprehensive energy policy” for the state in which there are three active proposals to build LNG receiving terminals.

One of seven energy recommendations from a Dec. 3 summit to update the plan proposes that Oregon “diversify natural supply sources by encouraging access to additional supplies through the development of additional pipeline capacity and LNG importation facilities.”

In a list of action items in a separate report aimed at “jump-starting” Oregon’s economy, the summit was urged to upgrade electricity and natural gas transmission systems, including LNG. On the state level that would include creating “incentives for utility and other private investment” in energy infrastructure.

NorthernStar Natural Gas touted the planning as another positive indicator for its plans to build a terminal and connecting pipeline up the Columbia River on the Oregon side. NorthenStar’s Bradwood Landing project earlier this year received conditioned approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

“LNG can help diversify the Northwest’s supply of natural gas, putting downward pressure on wholesale gas prices and helping ensure reliability by backing up renewable energy sources,” said NorthernStar spokesman Joe Desmond. “Oregon’s business and labor communities understand these truths and have taken steps to support LNG.”

The summit report said gas can significantly reduce carbon emissions. But the state needs to beef up its storage for gas and to diversify sources with LNG.

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