| Docket Number | Docket Name | Company |
|---|---|---|
| LC 79 | NW NATURAL 2022 INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLAN (IRP) | NORTHWEST NATURAL |
| Comment Number | Created Date | Email Received Date | Company Name | Comment Type | Source Type | First Name | Last Name | Nearest City | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC 79-1 | 1/24/2024 12:31:12 AM | 1/18/2024 12:09:03 PM | General Comment | otter1128@gmail.com | Chair Decker and members of the Commission, We are in a state of climate emergency. There is no time to consider using “natural” gas, much less increasing its usage, for our energy needs any longer. You continue to make unrealistic and misleading claims about the renewable aspect of natural gas. There is none and the methane released is even more disastrous than carbon. We must stop now. Keep all fossil fuels in the ground and change your focus to truly renewable energy sources. Sincerely, Eileen J Sleva Hillsboro, OR | |||||
| LC 79-10 | 1/24/2024 12:31:41 AM | 6/1/2023 3:18:39 PM | General Comment | davewaveking@gmail.com | Hi, My name is Dave King and I live with my sweet wive at 8716 N Edison PDX 97203 which is just downriver from the St Johns Bridge on the St Johns side of the river. So I am just across the river from the “cold box”. The whole energy hub is a threat to our house and our community especially in the event of the big earthquake that is expected at any time. We imagine that the soil under the tanks will liquify, the tanks will rupture and their contents will flow into the river and catch on fire igniting our whole neighborhood. We know that the cold box is vulnerable to the earthquake. But at this point in time there is more information needed to make a good decision on what to do about it. 1) A seismic study is due next year that would inform engineers about the feasibility of rebuilding the thing in that location at all. And if it is possible, how the design would look. 2) Given that our city, our region and the whole world is making the necessary rapid transition off of fossil fuels, wouldn’t it be prudent to assess how necessary it will be to build what may well be a stranded asset? Heat pumps are already out-selling gas furnaces. And significant subsidies for installing heat pumps are about to become available, which will reduce demand for gas. We just don’t know by how much. Another factor on a personal level is the cost. Our gas bill has gone up a lot already. So please wait to make a decision on this. Thank you for this opportunity. | |||||
| LC 79-11 | 1/24/2024 12:31:43 AM | 6/1/2023 2:20:45 PM | General Comment | Kandi.YOUNG@puc.oregon.gov | 6/1 @2:41 returned Bonnie’s call and let her know it’s past the deadline; however, comment may be reviewed if submitted prior to 5pm on 6/5. I also gave her guidance on how to view the docket online. dr Just making sure. No worries. Have a good rest of your day. From: RIOS Deanna * PUC <Deanna.RIOS@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Deanna.RIOS@puc.oregon.gov>> Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 2:19 PM To: YOUNG Kandi * PUC <Kandi.YOUNG@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Kandi.YOUNG@puc.oregon.gov>> Subject: RE: Inquiry - LC 79 Comment period Yes, I will respond. Sorry for not be clearer! From: YOUNG Kandi * PUC <Kandi.YOUNG@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Kandi.YOUNG@puc.oregon.gov>> Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 2:12 PM To: RIOS Deanna * PUC <Deanna.RIOS@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Deanna.RIOS@puc.oregon.gov>> Subject: FW: Inquiry - LC 79 Comment period Deanna, I had forwarded this request to you (and Char) as it’s a customer. Can I assume you’re reaching out to her? Kandi From: ANDERSON Rose * PUC <Rose.ANDERSON@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Rose.ANDERSON@puc.oregon.gov>> Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 1:16 PM To: RIOS Deanna * PUC <Deanna.RIOS@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Deanna.RIOS@puc.oregon.gov>> Cc: YOUNG Kandi * PUC <Kandi.YOUNG@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Kandi.YOUNG@puc.oregon.gov>>; WOLF Charla * PUC <Charla.WOLF@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Charla.WOLF@puc.oregon.gov>> Subject: RE: Inquiry - LC 79 Comment period Hi Deanna, Comments filed at this point in the IRP process are technically filed out of time with the schedule in this docket, but could be considered by commissioners if filed by 5pm on June 5th -Rose Anderson 503-580-0209 From: RIOS Deanna * PUC <Deanna.RIOS@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Deanna.RIOS@puc.oregon.gov>> Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 11:21 AM To: ANDERSON Rose * PUC <Rose.ANDERSON@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Rose.ANDERSON@puc.oregon.gov>> Cc: YOUNG Kandi * PUC <Kandi.YOUNG@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Kandi.YOUNG@puc.oregon.gov>>; WOLF Charla * PUC <Charla.WOLF@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Charla.WOLF@puc.oregon.gov>> Subject: RE: Inquiry - LC 79 Comment period Hi Rose, What is the deadline for submitting public comments on LC 79? See Kandi’s email below. Thank you, Deanna From: YOUNG Kandi * PUC <Kandi.YOUNG@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Kandi.YOUNG@puc.oregon.gov>> Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 11:05 AM To: RIOS Deanna * PUC <Deanna.RIOS@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Deanna.RIOS@puc.oregon.gov>>; WOLF Charla * PUC <Charla.WOLF@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Charla.WOLF@puc.oregon.gov>> Subject: Inquiry - LC 79 Comment period Deanna or Char, I receive a message from Bonnie McKinley (503-705-1943) – she wants to know when the comment period for LC 79 ends. She wants the specific date and time as she’s heard June 5 at 5 p.m. and June 6 at 5 p.m. I’m assuming you may all receive other similar questions. I wasn’t sure of the deadline, but wanted to pass this on. Kandi logo_color Kandi Young (she/her) Public Information Officer Oregon Public Utility Commission 201 High Street SE • Salem, OR 97301 • 503-551-5290 • kandi.young@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:kandi.young@puc.oregon.gov> 33 Best Free Facebook Icons for Your Website - Hipsthetic Twitter Icon #409264 - Free Icons Library | |||||
| LC 79-12 | 1/24/2024 12:31:45 AM | 6/1/2023 10:02:53 AM | General Comment | ldeepdx@yahoo.com | Hi Commissioners, It is critical that the PUC follow through with the IRP guidance that is discussed in the final Future of Gas report and be extra skeptical of RNG investments and continued growth of the gas system. Warmly, Lenny Dee Portland | |||||
| LC 79-13 | 1/24/2024 12:31:49 AM | 6/1/2023 6:27:12 AM | General Comment | jrobbins0304@gmail.com | Dear PUC As an Oregon citizen and customer of NW Natural Gas, I’d like to urge you to reject their current IRP and demand they do more to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. It is clear from reading their IRP that they could do much more to address climate change now. Thank you for considering this comment. Sincerely John Robbins 734 SE Malden st Portland, OR. 97202 | |||||
| LC 79-14 | 1/24/2024 12:31:52 AM | 5/31/2023 8:13:51 PM | General Comment | janzuckie@gmail.com | Dear Chair Decker and Members of the Commission, Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments regarding the NW Natural's IRP. I am writing to ask you to delay acknowledgment of the PDX LNG Cold Box until the seismic evaluation under SB 1567 is completed in 2024. It does not make sense for the cold box to be replaced before determining the seismic stabilization costs. We also need more information regarding the pace of electrification to determine if the LNG tank is even necessary. Especially now, in the midst of a climate crisis, we should be downsizing and eliminating the need for gas use. Furthermore, the LNG tank is located on seismically unstable soil and NWN runs the risk of investing millions of dollars in an area that is unsafe and threatens their very investments. I urge you to NOT acknowledge the cold box investment. Thank you very much, Jan Zuckerman 2914 NE 18th Ave. Portland 97212 | |||||
| LC 79-15 | 1/24/2024 12:31:54 AM | 5/31/2023 5:28:49 PM | General Comment | joosgalefamily@comcast.net | Chair Decker and members of the Commission, I am a NW Natural customer in Portland. Oregon has climate goals requiring gas utilities to slash pollution by 90% by 2050. I am concerned that NW Natural does not have a realistic plan to meet these goals. Rather, they have put forward a 20-year Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) that risks leaving customers on the hook for huge, irresponsible investments that are not in line with our state’s climate goals. Therefore, I believe it is critical that the PUC follow through with the IRP guidance that is discussed in the final Future of Gas report. Furthermore, given the unrealistic and misleading claims gas companies have been making about the availability and benefits of so-called renewable natural gas and hydrogen, the PUC must be extremely skeptical of RNG investments and continued growth of the gas system. The Commission must support PUC Staff and Synapse’s analysis, as well as that of ratepayer, climate, and energy justice advocates. Given that we are in a climate emergency, and methane is over 80 times more potent a climate driver than carbon dioxide, we need our gas utilities to be downsized, and not allow for continued, business-as-usual growth. Finally, I am concerned about the seismic stability of the CEI Hub and the risk of NWN’s planned investments in this area. For all of the above reasons, I urge the PUC to not acknowledge the cold box investment in particular, or at least to defer consideration until after more research and mitigation efforts. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Sandra Joos 4259 SW Patrick Place Portland, OR 97239 | |||||
| LC 79-16 | 1/24/2024 12:31:56 AM | 5/31/2023 5:07:50 PM | General Comment | rbpa@frontier.com | Good Morning Chair Decker and all members of the Commission: Thank you for the opportunity to provide my comments for your consideration in this process. I am very interested in the planning for NW Natural to effectively and economically address the climate crisis which is already upon us. I am a NW Natural customer in Washington County (several gas appliances in my home). I am also a retiree living on Social Security and a small pension. Thus my interest and concern about NW Natural’s planning. Please carefully consider the following comments: It is critical that the PUC follow through with the IRP guidance that is discussed in the final Future of Gas report and be extra skeptical of RNG investments and continued growth of the gas system. The Commission must support PUC Staff and Synapse’s analysis, as well as that of ratepayer, climate, and energy justice advocates. I am concerned about the unrealistic and misleading claims gas companies have been making about the availability and benefits of so-called renewable natural gas and hydrogen. We are in a climate emergency and methane is over 80 times more potent a climate driver than carbon dioxide. We need our gas utilities to be downsized, not allow for continued, business-as-usual growth. I am concerned about the seismic stability of the CEI Hub and the risk of NWN’s planned investments in this area. I urge the PUC to not acknowledge the cold box investment in particular, or at least to defer consideration until after more research and mitigation efforts. Your consideration is very much appreciated, Regards Richard Payne 503 649 7406 | |||||
| LC 79-17 | 1/24/2024 12:31:58 AM | 5/31/2023 2:29:22 PM | General Comment | simone@ojta.org | Dear Chair Decker, Commissioners, and Staff of the PUC, Please find my comments on LC 79, Northwest Natural's IRP, for your review in advance of tomorrow' public hearing. I look forward to testifying tomorrow. Thanks for all you do, Simone -- Simone Crowe she/her/hers Oregon Green New Deal Policy Organizer (207) 664-4169 ojta.org https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4ygJQtpCDe-m3dgiWXj6SWTB-sMZDBNRLKx6fbH6E7H1lpQCChX0GjPPrh4zb250q6V7EWdoM8 | |||||
| LC 79-18 | 1/24/2024 12:32:02 AM | 5/24/2023 12:12:46 PM | General Comment | brianstewart@electrifynow.net | Regarding Docket LC 79 OPUC Chair Decker, Commissioners and Staff - Please accept these public comments from 22 organizations around the state of Oregon in support of staff recommendations for NW Natural to purchase Community Climate Investments rather than investments in “Renewable Natural Gas”. We agree with staff’s well researched conclusions that CCIs are significantly less costly and less risky as a compliance pathway. CCIs will have direct health, safety, comfort and air quality benefits to Oregonians which would not be delivered through RNG investments or Renewable Thermal Certificates, which makes them a higher impact, less risky investment for ratepayers. Respectfully, Brian Stewart, on behalf of the 22 signatories Brian Stewart C: 503 803 5020 cid:14006509-cc11-4580-a671-3c7ecdb7b12c@namprd09.prod.outlook.com | |||||
| LC 79-19 | 1/24/2024 12:32:05 AM | 5/8/2023 2:24:37 PM | General Comment | adam.roth@engie.com | Good Afternoon: Enclosed please find the comments of ENGIE Energy Marketing NA, Inc. with respect to Docket Number LC 79. Respectfully, Adam Roth Adam Roth Vice President & General Counsel ENGIE Energy Marketing NA, Inc. 1360 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 400 Houston, Texas 77056 adam.roth@engie.com<mailto:adam.roth@engie.com> +1 713.636.1105 cid:image001.png@01D9818B.4BFCDB80 ENGIE Mail Disclaimer: http://www.engie.com/disclaimer/ | |||||
| LC 79-2 | 1/24/2024 12:31:14 AM | 6/15/2023 9:08:35 AM | General Comment | Cheryl.WALKER@puc.oregon.gov | Hi, Deanna. The comments from T.T. below were docketed and also forwarded to the Commission Office on 6/6. Thank you. Cheryl From: PUC PUC.PublicComments * PUC <PUC.PUBLICCOMMENTS@puc.oregon.gov> Sent: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 12:24 PM To: ANDERSON Rose * PUC <Rose.ANDERSON@puc.oregon.gov>; PUC PUC.PublicComments * PUC <PUC.PUBLICCOMMENTS@puc.oregon.gov> Cc: MENZA Candice * PUC <Candice.MENZA@puc.oregon.gov>; TOEWS Kimberly * PUC <Kimberly.TOEWS@puc.oregon.gov>; KNOLL Ellie * PUC <Ellie.KNOLL@puc.oregon.gov>; WALKER Cheryl * PUC <Cheryl.WALKER@puc.oregon.gov>; DAVIS Diane * PUC <Diane.DAVIS@puc.oregon.gov>; COLLINS Kristi * PUC <Kristi.COLLINS@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: RE: LC79 - NW Natural IRP Here is the path: "P:\Agency\Public Comments\LC 79 NWN" Deanna From: ANDERSON Rose * PUC <Rose.ANDERSON@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Rose.ANDERSON@puc.oregon.gov>> Sent: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 10:09 AM To: PUC PUC.PublicComments * PUC <PUC.PUBLICCOMMENTS@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:PUC.PUBLICCOMMENTS@puc.oregon.gov>> Cc: MENZA Candice * PUC <Candice.MENZA@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Candice.MENZA@puc.oregon.gov>>; TOEWS Kimberly * PUC <Kimberly.TOEWS@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Kimberly.TOEWS@puc.oregon.gov>>; KNOLL Ellie * PUC <ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov>>; WALKER Cheryl * PUC <Cheryl.WALKER@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Cheryl.WALKER@puc.oregon.gov>>; DAVIS Diane * PUC <Diane.DAVIS@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Diane.DAVIS@puc.oregon.gov>> Subject: RE: LC79 - NW Natural IRP Hi All, Could someone please point me toward the folder on the P: drive where these are stored? Thanks! -Rose Anderson 503-580-0209 From: PUC PUC.PublicComments * PUC <PUC.PUBLICCOMMENTS@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:PUC.PUBLICCOMMENTS@puc.oregon.gov>> Sent: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 9:25 AM To: ANDERSON Rose * PUC <Rose.ANDERSON@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Rose.ANDERSON@puc.oregon.gov>> Cc: MENZA Candice * PUC <Candice.MENZA@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Candice.MENZA@puc.oregon.gov>>; TOEWS Kimberly * PUC <Kimberly.TOEWS@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Kimberly.TOEWS@puc.oregon.gov>>; KNOLL Ellie * PUC <ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov>>; WALKER Cheryl * PUC <Cheryl.WALKER@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Cheryl.WALKER@puc.oregon.gov>>; DAVIS Diane * PUC <Diane.DAVIS@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Diane.DAVIS@puc.oregon.gov>> Subject: FW: LC79 - NW Natural IRP Comments received. Deanna From: Theodora Tsongas <ttsongas@gmail.com<mailto:ttsongas@gmail.com>> Sent: Monday, June 5, 2023 5:22 PM To: PUC PUC.PublicComments * PUC <puc.publiccomments@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:puc.publiccomments@puc.oregon.gov>> Cc: Theodora A Tsongas <ttsongas@gmail.com<mailto:ttsongas@gmail.com>> Subject: LC79 - NW Natural IRP To: Oregon Public Utility Commission Re: LC 79 - NW Natural IRP Date: June 5, 2023 Chair Decker and Members of the Commission, Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony. I am Dr. Theodora Tsongas, an environmental health scientist with a career in public health. I am a member of the Healthy Climate Action Team of Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility and of the Climate and Health Committee of the American Public Health Association. There are several concerns about which I am testifying today. As you are well aware, we are in a climate emergency and we must do everything we can to cut our emissions of green house gases drastically by 2030. Methane is over 80 times more potent a climate driver than carbon dioxide. In order to meet our climate goals, our gas utilities need to be downsized. We simply cannot afford to allow them to continue business-as-usual. Growth is unrealistic as well as out of the question because of the harms it would cause. In the meantime, efforts to adapt to the need to reduce emissions of fossil fuels are proceeding. Electrification efforts have already started: heat pump sales currently exceed gas furnace sales. This is likely to accelerate when rebates under the federal IRA are made available toward the end of 2023 . I am concerned about the seismic stability of the CEI Hub and the risk of NWN’s planned investments in this area. The location of their LNG tank is already of great concern in this urban populated area, due to its vulnerability to breach and explosion in the event of an earthquake. I urge the PUC to not acknowledge the cold box investment in particular, or at least to defer consideration until after more research and mitigation efforts. Please delay acknowledgement of the cold box until after the seismic evaluation under SB1567 is completed in 2024. The seismic stabilization costs may mean that the cold box replacement is financially untenable. Second, please delay acknowledgment until we have more information about the pace of electrification. With enough home electrification this LNG tank is likely to be unnecessary. It would be unconscionable to allow NW Natural to charge its ratepayers $15 million to put in a new cold box for the LNG tank that really | |||||
| LC 79-20 | 1/24/2024 12:32:08 AM | 5/5/2023 2:43:02 PM | General Comment | msimpkins@anewclimate.com | Hello, please find attached comments from Anew Climate. Sincerely, Martina Simpkins Senior Director, Policy m. 571 548 1293 _______________________________________________________________________ Bluesource and Element Markets are now Anew™ Follow us on LinkedIn | anewclimate.com Logo Description automatically generated CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic message is intended solely for the designated recipient(s) named above and may contain information which is proprietary, privileged, confidential and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The unauthorized interception, review, transmission, disclosure, use, dissemination or copying (in whole or in part) of this message or any information it contains (including any attachment) is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, please reply to the sender immediately to indicate you received the message in error and delete this email from your system. Thank you. NOTE: This communication is for discussion purposes only and should not be regarded as an official confirmation of any transaction unless you are also receiving an attached and executed definitive agreement. Email transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free; therefore, this electronic message may not be complete or accurate and should not be relied upon as such. All information contained herein is subject to change without notice. | |||||
| LC 79-21 | 1/24/2024 12:32:10 AM | 5/5/2023 2:01:22 PM | General Comment | Vincent@rngcoalition.com | Dear Commission staff, Please find attached the RNG Coalition’s comments on the PUC Staff Final Comments and Recommendations regarding NW Natural’s IRP. Regards, Vincent Morales Manager of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas T: 916.588.3033 | vincent@rngcoalition.com<mailto:vincent@rngcoalition.com> | LinkedIn Based in Ottawa, ON, Canada (Eastern time zone) www.rngcoalition.com | |||||
| LC 79-22 | 1/24/2024 12:32:12 AM | 5/5/2023 10:13:32 AM | General Comment | sarah.tomalty@bp.com | Hello, Please accept the attached filing by bp America Inc. in the above-referenced docket. Sarah E. Tomalty senior advisor, gas and CFTC bp trading & shipping gas & power trading Americas Cell (713)726-6533 cid:image001.jpg@01D97F4A.C0CEDC30cid:image002.jpg@01D97F4A.C0CEDC30 | |||||
| LC 79-23 | 1/24/2024 12:32:14 AM | 5/4/2023 8:58:32 AM | General Comment | heather@americanbiogascouncil.org | To Whom It May Concern, The American Biogas Council is submitting the attached letter of support for Docket #LC-79, NW Natural’s Integrated Resource Plan, and the RNG program addressed within. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this docket and welcome any further discussion the Commission, or Commission staff may desire in support of this proceeding. Sincerely, Heather Dziedzic Vice President, Policy American Biogas Council 1.404.661.6591 heather@americanbiogascouncil.org<mailto:heather@americanbiogascouncil.org> The Voice of the US Biogas Industry Find us on: the web | twitter | linkedin | flickr cid:image001.png@01D97E79.69FC5F30 | |||||
| LC 79-24 | 1/24/2024 12:32:17 AM | 5/2/2023 1:55:05 PM | General Comment | samp@marvelpowergroup.com | Oregon Public Utility Commission, Marvel Power Group, an established, woman-owned, ESG-focused advisory and brokerage platform, is submitting these comments in support of Oregon’s existing SB 98 program. Marvel has significant experience facilitating renewable power and gas transactions nationwide, and applauds the progress made by Oregon’s gas utilities in compliance with the environmental mission of SB 98. We emphasize that SB 98 provides a quantifiable and verifiable way (i.e. “1:1” emission reductions) to measure climate impact, and few other solutions could be firmly relied upon to deliver similar, tangible benefits. SB 98 is a landmark law that directly supports the development of new RNG projects and has driven the installation of several new dedicated facilities. As such, we strongly support the structure and spirit of this program and look forward to seeing its continued implementation and expansion. Regards, Sam Peelle cidimage001.png@01D5DE96.F249A130 Sam Peelle Senior Director +1.860.930.2849 samp@marvelpowergroup.com<mailto:samp@marvelpowergroup.com> | |||||
| LC 79-3 | 1/24/2024 12:31:18 AM | 6/6/2023 12:23:46 PM | General Comment | PUC.PUBLICCOMMENTS@puc.oregon.gov | Here is the path: "P:\Agency\Public Comments\LC 79 NWN" Deanna From: ANDERSON Rose * PUC <Rose.ANDERSON@puc.oregon.gov> Sent: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 10:09 AM To: PUC PUC.PublicComments * PUC <PUC.PUBLICCOMMENTS@puc.oregon.gov> Cc: MENZA Candice * PUC <Candice.MENZA@puc.oregon.gov>; TOEWS Kimberly * PUC <Kimberly.TOEWS@puc.oregon.gov>; KNOLL Ellie * PUC <ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov>; WALKER Cheryl * PUC <Cheryl.WALKER@puc.oregon.gov>; DAVIS Diane * PUC <Diane.DAVIS@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: RE: LC79 - NW Natural IRP Hi All, Could someone please point me toward the folder on the P: drive where these are stored? Thanks! -Rose Anderson 503-580-0209 From: PUC PUC.PublicComments * PUC <PUC.PUBLICCOMMENTS@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:PUC.PUBLICCOMMENTS@puc.oregon.gov>> Sent: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 9:25 AM To: ANDERSON Rose * PUC <Rose.ANDERSON@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Rose.ANDERSON@puc.oregon.gov>> Cc: MENZA Candice * PUC <Candice.MENZA@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Candice.MENZA@puc.oregon.gov>>; TOEWS Kimberly * PUC <Kimberly.TOEWS@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Kimberly.TOEWS@puc.oregon.gov>>; KNOLL Ellie * PUC <ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov>>; WALKER Cheryl * PUC <Cheryl.WALKER@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Cheryl.WALKER@puc.oregon.gov>>; DAVIS Diane * PUC <Diane.DAVIS@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Diane.DAVIS@puc.oregon.gov>> Subject: FW: LC79 - NW Natural IRP Comments received. Deanna From: Theodora Tsongas <ttsongas@gmail.com<mailto:ttsongas@gmail.com>> Sent: Monday, June 5, 2023 5:22 PM To: PUC PUC.PublicComments * PUC <puc.publiccomments@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:puc.publiccomments@puc.oregon.gov>> Cc: Theodora A Tsongas <ttsongas@gmail.com<mailto:ttsongas@gmail.com>> Subject: LC79 - NW Natural IRP To: Oregon Public Utility Commission Re: LC 79 - NW Natural IRP Date: June 5, 2023 Chair Decker and Members of the Commission, Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony. I am Dr. Theodora Tsongas, an environmental health scientist with a career in public health. I am a member of the Healthy Climate Action Team of Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility and of the Climate and Health Committee of the American Public Health Association. There are several concerns about which I am testifying today. As you are well aware, we are in a climate emergency and we must do everything we can to cut our emissions of green house gases drastically by 2030. Methane is over 80 times more potent a climate driver than carbon dioxide. In order to meet our climate goals, our gas utilities need to be downsized. We simply cannot afford to allow them to continue business-as-usual. Growth is unrealistic as well as out of the question because of the harms it would cause. In the meantime, efforts to adapt to the need to reduce emissions of fossil fuels are proceeding. Electrification efforts have already started: heat pump sales currently exceed gas furnace sales. This is likely to accelerate when rebates under the federal IRA are made available toward the end of 2023 . I am concerned about the seismic stability of the CEI Hub and the risk of NWN’s planned investments in this area. The location of their LNG tank is already of great concern in this urban populated area, due to its vulnerability to breach and explosion in the event of an earthquake. I urge the PUC to not acknowledge the cold box investment in particular, or at least to defer consideration until after more research and mitigation efforts. Please delay acknowledgement of the cold box until after the seismic evaluation under SB1567 is completed in 2024. The seismic stabilization costs may mean that the cold box replacement is financially untenable. Second, please delay acknowledgment until we have more information about the pace of electrification. With enough home electrification this LNG tank is likely to be unnecessary. It would be unconscionable to allow NW Natural to charge its ratepayers $15 million to put in a new cold box for the LNG tank that really should not be there in the first place. Thank you for your consideration, your time, and your hard work. | |||||
| LC 79-4 | 1/24/2024 12:31:20 AM | 6/5/2023 5:22:24 PM | General Comment | ttsongas@gmail.com | To: Oregon Public Utility Commission Re: LC 79 - NW Natural IRP Date: June 5, 2023 Chair Decker and Members of the Commission, Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony. I am Dr. Theodora Tsongas, an environmental health scientist with a career in public health. I am a member of the Healthy Climate Action Team of Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility and of the Climate and Health Committee of the American Public Health Association. There are several concerns about which I am testifying today. As you are well aware, we are in a climate emergency and we must do everything we can to cut our emissions of green house gases drastically by 2030. Methane is over 80 times more potent a climate driver than carbon dioxide. In order to meet our climate goals, our gas utilities need to be downsized. We simply cannot afford to allow them to continue business-as-usual. Growth is unrealistic as well as out of the question because of the harms it would cause. In the meantime, efforts to adapt to the need to reduce emissions of fossil fuels are proceeding. Electrification efforts have already started: heat pump sales currently exceed gas furnace sales. This is likely to accelerate when rebates under the federal IRA are made available toward the end of 2023 . I am concerned about the seismic stability of the CEI Hub and the risk of NWN’s planned investments in this area. The location of their LNG tank is already of great concern in this urban populated area, due to its vulnerability to breach and explosion in the event of an earthquake. I urge the PUC to not acknowledge the cold box investment in particular, or at least to defer consideration until after more research and mitigation efforts. Please delay acknowledgement of the cold box until after the seismic evaluation under SB1567 is completed in 2024. The seismic stabilization costs may mean that the cold box replacement is financially untenable. Second, please delay acknowledgment until we have more information about the pace of electrification. With enough home electrification this LNG tank is likely to be unnecessary. It would be unconscionable to allow NW Natural to charge its ratepayers $15 million to put in a new cold box for the LNG tank that really should not be there in the first place. Thank you for your consideration, your time, and your hard work. | |||||
| LC 79-5 | 1/24/2024 12:31:23 AM | 6/5/2023 4:22:47 PM | General Comment | brad@buildingresilience.org | Chair Decker and members of the Commission, I'm writing regarding the NW Natural Gas IRP. My name is Brad Reed. I work as the Campaign Director for the Building Resilience Coalition, a group of organizations fighting for cleaner, healthier, and more resilient homes for all Oregonians. I’m also a NW Natural customer and resident of the City of Milwaukie, and it’s in that capacity that I’m writing today. I want to state my strong support for PUC Staff, CUB, and Energy Advocates’ recommendations in this proceeding and urge the Commission to not acknowledge the NW Natural IRP at this time. We’re in a climate emergency and we have to treat it like that – an emergency. Business as usual planning will not work. We face too many risks, both of continued methane gas use in our communities, and the public health harms there – but also risks to our energy bills and our climate overall. Milwaukie, where I live, passed a resolution to move off of gas in new construction. I expect our city, which strongly values climate action, will take more measures to help people transition to clean electricity use even in existing construction. If NW Natural continues to build, build, build without taking these kinds of actions into account – we risk leaving those with the fewest resources stranded on a more and more expensive system. Instead, NW Natural should be told to explore other pathways– through energy efficiency and clean, electric alternatives– to serve its customers and meet state climate goals. Thank you for your consideration, Brad Reed (he/him) Milwaukie, Oregon | |||||
| LC 79-6 | 1/24/2024 12:31:26 AM | 6/5/2023 1:11:22 PM | General Comment | samantha@oregonpsr.org | Hello, My name is Samantha Hernandez, climate justice organizer at Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility (Oregon PSR), and I am submitting testimony on behalf of Oregon PSR. Best, Samantha -- Samantha Hernandez (she/her/ella) Climate Justice Organizer Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility E-mail: samantha@oregonpsr.org<mailto:samantha@oregonpsr.org> l Phone number: 786-334-7754 (cell) Mailing address: 4110 SE Hawthorne Blvd. #758 Portland, OR 97214 Website l Facebook l Twitter l Instagram We live on stolen land. This message was sent on the traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Kathlamet, and Clackamas bands of the Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, Molalla and many other Tribes that made their homes along the Columbia River. Read Oregon PSR’s Land Acknowledgment and learn whose land you inhabit. | |||||
| LC 79-7 | 1/24/2024 12:31:28 AM | 6/4/2023 6:05:00 PM | General Comment | jackiejjj@hotmail.com | NW Natural’s 20-year Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is not in line with our state’s climate goals to slash pollution by 90% by 2050. It proposes huge irresponsible investments that will not solve the problem. Do not accept the plan - require a redo that meets the VERY important goals. Jackie Johnson Eugene Oregon Sent from my iPhone | |||||
| LC 79-8 | 1/24/2024 12:31:31 AM | 6/4/2023 3:19:00 PM | General Comment | karenjo.harrington@gmail.com | Chair Decker and members of the Commission, Please accept the following document as the testimony of the Climate Reality Project, Portland Chapter, concerning the NW Natural IRP. Climate Reality Project, Portland Chapter Testimony Regarding NWN IRP Thank You, Karen Harrington Karen Harrington (she, her) Volunteer Climate Reality Project, Portland Chapter Legislative Committee Chair https://www.climaterealityproject.or g https://climaterealitypdx.com 1-510-833-0492 West Linn, OR, USA "Believe in the power of your own voice. The more noise you make, the more accountability you demand from your leaders, the more our world will change for the better." Al Gore | |||||
| LC 79-9 | 1/24/2024 12:31:38 AM | 6/2/2023 8:18:36 PM | General Comment | Roughskinnednewt@hotmail.com | Dear Chair Decker and members of the Commission, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important issue. I am a NW Natural customer, a senior citizen on a fixed income, and lifelong environmentalist. It is critical that the PUC follow through with the IRP guidance that is discussed in the final Future of Gas report and be extra skeptical of RNG investments and continued growth of the gas system. The Commission must support PUC Staff and Synapse’s analysis, as well as that of ratepayer, climate, and energy justice advocates. I am concerned about the unrealistic and misleading claims gas companies have been making about the availability and benefits of so-called renewable natural gas and hydrogen. I am also deeply concerned about business-as-usual planning, when we’re facing unprecedented circumstances. Times have changed, the status quo isn't working, and I urge the Commission to change our planning as well. We don’t want to be on the hook for decades to come to pay off risky investments in continued fossil fuel use and expensive gas alternatives. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Dianne Ensign 11600 SW Lancaster Rd. Portland, OR 97219 |