Selecting a final route
Selecting a final route is a key element of the permitting processes run by the state and federal agencies and tribal authorities.

State process
Oregon’s Energy Facility Siting Council will manage the state permitting and environmental review process, which will include a variety of opportunities for public input. EFSC requires that the project meet a set of pass-fail standards that cover safety, land use and environmental impact on public and private lands in Oregon.

Federal process
A federal agency soon will be chosen to manage the federal process under the rules of the National Environmental Policy Act. This process also includes a public input process. NEPA requires an evaluation of the environmental consequences of the proposed project and alternatives, which is documented in an Environmental Impact Statement.

The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs will manage the environmental permitting process on tribal lands.

Timeline
Environmental reviews and the permitting processes are expected to last up to three years, and will include several opportunities for public involvement. If permits are granted and PGE moves forward with the project, construction is expected to begin in 2013 with project completion in 2015. View the project timeline.