FAQ - State and Federal Review Processes
What is the environmental review process for the Cascade Crossing Transmission Project?
The Cascade Crossing Transmission Project (Cascade Crossing) will undergo three review processes:
- ODOE-EFSC is responsible for approving or denying PGE’s site certificate application under Oregon’s energy facility siting process.
- USFS is leading the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process as it analyzes PGE’s request to cross USFS-managed and Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-managed lands.
What is the state’s role in the project?
Large energy facilities located in Oregon must have an energy facility site certificate. To build, operate and maintain Cascade Crossing, PGE must apply for an energy facility site certificate from ODOE-EFSC.
The Oregon energy facility siting process combines state and local government requirements, including land use, into one decision. ODOE will use public comments, EFSC’s siting standards and applicable state and local regulations to review PGE’s Application for an Energy Facility Site Certificate. Based on ODOE’s recommendations, EFSC will vote on whether to approve or deny PGE’s Site Certificate.
What is the role of the federal agencies?
PGE must request a special use permit from the USFS for Cascade Crossing to cross the Mt. Hood and Willamette national forests and a right-of-way grant from the Bureau of Land Management to cross BLM-managed lands.
The USFS is the lead federal agency charged with conducting the NEPA process. As required by NEPA, the USFS will analyze and disclose the environmental effects of the proposed project and alternatives in the environmental impact statement (EIS).
The USFS will use public scoping comments, resource surveys and other data to identify issues and inform project analysis, which will be documented in the draft EIS. The USFS will solicit comments on the draft EIS and use those comments to further inform the analysis. The USFS will publish a final EIS and the public will also be able to comment on it prior to the USFS making a record of decision on the project.
Who analyzes the effects of the project on private land?
Both ODOE-EFSC and the USFS’ review processes include evaluation of the project’s effects on private lands.
- ODOE-EFSC - PGE’s application for site certificate must meet EFSC’s siting standards, which are applicable to all land within the state including private land. The siting standards are designed to protect natural resources, ensure public health and safety and protect against adverse environmental impacts.
- USFS – The EIS will analyze the effects of Cascade Crossing throughout the study area, which includes both public and private lands. However, the USFS’ authority only applies to USFS-managed lands.
Cascade Crossing proposes to cross the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation. What is their role in the project?
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will conduct their own environmental review process to assess the effects of the proposed project.
