I wrote before about David Wu’s stance on the energy bill.

Mr. Wu is supporting the Castle-Markey amendment to H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The following is his address to the U. S House of Representatives.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support to the Castle-Markey amendment to H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

This amendment would ensure that States have control over whether an LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) facility is sited in their district. Under the energy bill, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) would have the sole authority to make decisions regarding the construction, expansion and operation of LNG facilities. While the bill requires FERC to consult with State and local governments, they have no role in the final decision, and FERC is not required to consider their concerns.

This is unconscionable. It is exactly the local communities who must have the final say in whether or not an LNG facility is built in their district. It is these people who must live with the decision either way. The Castle amendment would create authority for States to have a say in the final decision.

Currently, I have four proposed LNG sites in my district, and I have heard from many of my constituents about these proposals, both against the sites because of environmental concerns and because of job creation. It is exactly these individuals who should get to decide if an LNG plant will be sited in their community; it should not be a decision made by a Washington, DC based government official who has no connection to the site.

This amendment would enhance the process of selection and provide the community an outlet to be more involved. It is my hope that the local communities, State, and FERC can work together in deciding whether or not a LNG facility is good for Oregon.

I am a strong believer in participation of all stakeholders when it comes to monumental decisions like these. I support transparency among the local, State, and federal governments to ensure the process is thorough and thoughtful.

I strongly believe that the States should have authority in LNG facility sites and I urge my colleagues to vote for the Castle-Markey amendment.