May 2, 2024

It’s UNSAFE and COSTLY : Time to  STOP the GTN Xpress Pipeline expansion! 

On October 19th, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) granted approval for the expansion of the TC Energy Pipeline, known as GTN Xpress, spanning over 1,300 miles through Central Oregon and right through Bend’s backyard. 

This expansion, estimated by TC Energy to incur costs exceeding $13 billion in the cost of carbon which imposes a considerable burden on ratepayers. These external costs related to the increased pollution includes health expenditures, increased heat-related fatalities, more intense wildfires, and adverse economic impacts. Vulnerable communities will suffer the most.

Safety hazards loom large. Recent pipeline explosions, resulting in the destruction of habitat, threatening properties and posing significant wildfire risks, underscore the potential hazards associated with the pipeline project. Notably, incidents in Alberta and Virginia over the past year have highlighted the catastrophic consequences of pipeline failures. These can be expected to continue asTC Energy has a poor safety track record.

The existing 60+ year old pipeline infrastructure in Central Oregon is aging and may lack the capacity to safely accommodate the heightened volume with the approved expansion. (50 years is the average pipeline lifespan)  These factors compound the urgency for thorough risk assessments and stringent safety measures to mitigate potential harm to communities and ecosystems. None of these precautions are being conducted by TC Energy and FERC. To protect our communities, we need your help  to OPPOSE this expansion project and send the message that Oregon is against dangerous fossil fuel projects in our state!  

Secondly, why should Oregonians pay for this business expansion from the gas industry? They want to pass these costs on to us, even though it is likely we will not use this gas. Instead, their plan is to ship it overseas. We are doing what we can and have made some wins in this area. 

• We are working with attorneys in a coalition. We have appeals and petitions at the District and Federal Courts. 
• We’re fighting to ensure that in case of a mishap, that taxpayers dont end up picking up the tab. 
• We are protesting rate increases to user from this pipeline expansion

But we can’t do this alone. We need your help more than ever.

We’re ready to fight! Will you help us stop this pipeline project in our backyard?

• Take action! Sign the petition linked below.
• Attend our community resistance events to show our decision makers that we don’t want this pipeline in our backyard!
• Spread the word!  Share this Webpage with your friends.

Please consider a DONATION to help advance this work. 

-The 350deschutes team

More Resources

Safety background

Climate background

• Demand/Need background
• Video about GTN XPress proposal
• Proposed Pipeline Expansion Could Upend Three States’ Climate Plans, DeSmog, July 20, 2023
• Map of GTN Pipeline
• Webinar recordings of February 13, 2023 “People’s Hearing”
• Zoom and Facebook recording