Construction begins on 675-mile natural gas pipeline

Gov. Bill Ritter praised the start of construction on the 675-mile Ruby Pipeline on August 2. The pipeline will significantly benefit companies producing natural gas in Colorado. This natural gas pipeline will extend from Opal Wyoming through Utah and Nevada to the Oregon/California border.

"The start of construction on the Ruby Pipeline is exciting news for Colorado's gas industry," Gov. Ritter said. "This new pipeline will boost our economy, create jobs and allow Colorado producers to obtain a fair price for our gas in the larger markets on the west coast. Increasing production of clean-burning natural gas also advances our goal of energy independence and our national status as a leader in the New Energy Economy."

"I want to thank the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for recognizing the importance of this $3 billion project and allowing it to move forward."

The Ruby Pipeline is being built by Houston-based El Paso Corporation, which has offices in Colorado Springs. The 42-inch underground pipeline will carry 1.5 billion cubic feet a day of natural gas from Colorado and other Rocky Mountain states the Oregon/California border. The project does not cross Colorado.

Gov. Ritter sent a letter in February 2009 to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) urging them to expedite the approval of the pipeline. FERC approved the project in April and gave the green light for construction on July 30. Construction began on July 31 and expected to be complete in March 2011.