C.O. pipeline expansion foes continue campaign to head off project amid report of owner’s cost issues

Kelsey McGee will have a report at Four on Fox

BEND, Ore.. (KTVZ) -- A Central Oregon group opposed to a now-approved natural gas pipeline expansion continues to press its case, holding a news conference Monday at High Desert Middle School amid a report of financial woes confronting the hotly debated project.

The GTN XPress Pipeline Expansion was approved by federal regulators last fall. The group 350 Deschutes has continued its protests of the past several years, along with an effort to convince local governments to embrace sustainable energy and move their communities away from fossil fuels.

The pipeline currently goes through Kingsgate, British Columbia to Malin, Oregon, then connects to California. It was approved to expand through Washington, Idaho and would go through Bend and Northern California.

Last month, the industry website Gas Outlook said the expansion of the major pipeline "is in doubt after its owner said it is 'financially not viable' unless it can obtain permission to spread costs onto other utilities not associated with the project." 

Kelsey McGee will be on hand at the news conference to speak with the opponents about the latest developments, and also has reached out to the company for a reaction or statement. Her report will be on NewsChannel 21 at Four on Fo.

Here is the Deschutes 350 press release:

Despite mounting opposition from the community and Oregon legislators, Cascade Natural Gas and TC Energy are proceeding with the GTN pipeline expansion, which runs from Canada through Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California.

Health and safety professionals, including Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility, have issued urgent warnings about the increased gas pressure of 50 thousand dth/d daily, deeming it unsafe for the 61-year-old pipeline. Recently, GTN filed a request with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to put 50,000 Dth/d of GTN Xpress into service, representing one-third of the total 150,000 Dth/d proposed for the expansion project. This is enough gas to supply 250,000 homes in the coldest months.

Opponents are concerned about the excessive volume, especially since only about 40% of homes use gas. FERC approved this request without requiring any fortification of the existing compressor stations, raising significant safety concerns within the community.

TC Energy, which has a poor safety track record, has experienced multiple explosions in similar aging pipelines. The increased volume and pressure without necessary upgrades heighten the risk of catastrophic failures. Buildings within 1,000 feet of the pipeline, including High Desert Middle School, the Humane Society,

Knott Landfill, and the proposed Stevens Road Tract development, are particularly at risk (see map below).

The press conference will feature City Councilor Ariel Mendez, a Bend-La Pine student, and other advocates discussing the severe health and safety impacts on Central Oregon. Nora Harren from 350 Deschutes emphasized the danger, noting the pipeline's proximity to the community and the potential for fatal explosions.

Advocates insist that if the expansion proceeds, the gas volume and pressure within the old pipeline must be reduced to minimize rupture risks.

The attorneys general of Washington, Oregon, and California oppose the GTN pipeline expansion, citing no documented need for additional gas and the goal of reducing gas consumption to meet climate action targets. FERC approved the project in October 2023 but did not allow TC Energy to charge ratepayers for the expansion. 350 Deschutes has collected over 250 signatures from customers asking
Cascade to reject the expansion.

For more information and to express concerns, visit 350 Deschutes.