ASTORIA (AP) — Gov. Ted Kulongoski is open to the idea of liquefied natural gas terminals, but he has told state agencies to “fully assert Oregon’s concerns and interests” as they are considered, according to a memo to state agency directors.

The Daily Astorian said Kulongoski’s memo spelling out his position on LNG terminals and pipelines was circulated at a meeting of the Columbia County Democratic Central Committee and confirmed by the governor’s natural resources expert, Mike Carrier.

In the memo, Kulongoski, a Democrat, says Oregon could benefit from the addition of LNG to its energy portfolio, even if a “large quantity” of the LNG processed here is used in neighboring states.

“Liquefied natural gas must be considered in the context of diversifying and shoring up energy supplies for Oregon and the Pacific (Northwest) and the potential for LNG to help reduce over-reliance on other sources of energy, especially coal and hydropower, which have other environmental impacts,” the memo says. “LNG must also be considered in light of its potential to serve as part of an essential ’bridge’ to a future energy portfolio that is more dependent on renewables.”

Three LNG terminals are proposed in Oregon: one at Bradwood Landing 20 miles east of Astoria, one in Warrenton and one in Coos Bay.

Kulongoski “doesn’t have a preference at this point,” Carrier said. “They each need to be evaluated individually on their own merits and put through the FERC process as well as the state process.”

Carrier said the governor would be “weighing in” on the Bradwood Landing project before Dec. 24, when the federal agency finishes taking comments on the environmental assessment.

The newspaper said the Democratic committees from both Columbia and Clatsop counties have taken stands against the Bradwood Landing project.