Cascade Natural Gas: End Contract with GTN!
Cascade Natural Gas
For two years, communities across the Northwest have been fighting a proposed fracked gas expansion project from TC Energy called GTN XPress. The gas pipeline spans over 1,300 miles through Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
Not only is GTN XPress a backwards plan threatening the health, safety, and climate of the northwest region, but the expansion imposes a considerable burden on ratepayers – specifically Cascade Natural Gas customers. TC Energy is not a trusted company to build this project. Recent pipeline explosions in Virginia and Alberta, Canada have resulted in the destruction of habitat, threatened properties and posed significant wildfire risks. 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. These factors compound the urgency for thorough risk assessments and stringent safety measures to mitigate potential harm to communities and ecosystems.
Cascade Natural Gas customers around the Northwest- do not consent to financing this destructive and dangerous project. Join us in sending a strong message to Cascade Natural Gas: your customers do not support the GTN XPress project!
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To:
Cascade Natural Gas
From:
[Your Name]
Dear Cascade Natural Gas,
I am writing to you as a concerned customer regarding Cascade Natural Gas’s contract with Gas Transmission Northwest (GTN) for gas from the GTN Xpress expansion. We are aware that the terms of the existing agreement between GTN and Cascade may be up for renegotiation and we understand that Cascade has the opportunity to sunset its GTN Xpress contract in November. As your customer, I do not want my rates to pay for the GTN Xpress pipeline project.
Recently, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission criticized Cascade’s investment in GTN Xpress and the Oregon Public Utility Commission expressed caution about the investment. I strongly urge Cascade to refrain from entering into negotiations that are less advantageous as well as detrimental to the environment and the economic stability of our communities.
Additionally, I urge Cascade to terminate its contract with GTN in November. This move would reinforce Cascade’s commitment to sustainability and its customer base.
Cascade’s decision to avoid contract negotiations that harm ratepayers is not only prudent, but necessary in order to align with the values that we hold as a community. Renegotiating or extending the GTN Xpress contract will make it more difficult for Cascade to comply with forthcoming climate policy regulations that will impose emissions requirements.
Thank you for your consideration, we look forward to the actions that Cascade will take to protect its customers and promote a sustainable future.