Despite opposition, feds approve increased gas flow through Eastern Washington pipeline

A federal commission has approved a pipeline project to increase the flow of Canadian natural gas through the Pacific Northwest and California, despite opposition from from state officials, federal lawmakers, and Native American tribes.

TC Energy oversees a massive, 1,400 mile long natural gas pipeline that extends from Canada through Idaho, Washington, and Oregon to California.

The company wants to increase how much natural gas it sends through the pipeline, and, in a decision in October, the federal commission overseeing that pipeline voted to approve the plan.

TC energy says it’s proposed the expansion because the demand for natural gas is rising.

That might be surprising when you think about the spate of ambitious climate legislation passed in every state on the West Coast.

The federal decision to approve the pipeline project has caught the ire of those who wrote and championed climate friendly legislation. That includes Gov. Jay Inslee, attorneys general along the West Coast, and members of Congress who see the increase in natural gas flow as antithetical to Washington state’s goal of carbon-free utilities by 2045.

Soundside spoke with Seattle Times' Isabella Breda to find out more.

Listen to the full Soundside segment by clicking "play" on the icon above.

Read Isabella Breda's full story here.