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Former California Energy Commission Chair Brings Insight, Expertise to Natural Gas Importation Company
HOUSTON - NorthernStar Natural Gas LLC, announced today that Joe Desmond, former chairman of the California Energy Commission, has joined the company as senior vice president for external affairs. Desmond, who recently played a leading role in the passage of landmark legislation that leverages public and private cooperation to lower greenhouse gas emissions, will provide NorthernStar with counsel and guidance as the company seeks to develop environmentally safe, sensitive importation terminals in California and Oregon. He will be based in the company's San Francisco office.
“Joe Desmond is the premier policy and conservation expert on energy efficiency and affordable supply, and his presence will immediately enhance our management team," said William "Si" Garrett, CEO of NorthernStar Natural Gas. "His unmatched knowledge of regulatory structures and complete commitment to affordable, clean energy make him the perfect choice for us. His hiring is a signal to all the communities we hope to serve that NorthernStar is committed to providing a safe, affordable and environmentally sound solution to the growing need for additional natural gas supplies throughout the U.S."
As California Energy Commission Chairman, Desmond directed the state's efforts on numerous energy and environmental policy issues, including alternative and renewable energy and successfully led the Schwarzenegger administration's million solar roofs initiative as it moved through the state Legislature. Prior to joining the California Energy Commission, he was Undersecretary for Energy Affairs at the California Resources Agency and played a key role in the passage of SB 1368 that established a greenhouse gas performance standard for energy procurement.
Mr. Desmond has been active in Oregon working with stakeholders to help resolve energy, habitat and salmon restoration issues along the Klamath River. Previously, in the energy services industry he led companies that helped consumers and businesses save money and energy through efficiency investments and conservation programs.
"NorthernStar's commitment to bring new sources of clean, affordable natural gas for consumers in the most environmentally responsible manner makes it the perfect fit for me," said Desmond. "I've spent my career working for a clean energy future. It's my driving passion, a passion which NorthernStar shares. I believe that NorthernStar is in the best position to bring natural gas to California and the Pacific Northwest, and I look forward to being an important part of that process. These regions deserve the best, and I want to help make sure they get it."
NorthernStar is currently developing natural gas importation terminals in Oregon and California. In Oregon, NorthernStar's Bradwood Landing facility will serve the Pacific Northwest by increasing the supply of natural gas to the region. Currently, Bradwood Landing has filed permits with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which is reviewing the proposal. The facility could be operational as soon as the fourth quarter of 2010.
In California, the Clearwater Port project would convert an existing oil platform - located 12.6 miles off-shore from Oxnard, California - into a safe, state-of-the-art terminal providing Ventura County and California with affordable, reliable supplies of clean-burning natural gas. Clearwater Port has filed its application with state and federal authorities, and is expected to begin operations as early as 2009.
About Joe Desmond
From 2004 to 2006, Joe Desmond served as chairman of the California Energy Commission and in senior positions at the California Resources Agency, where he was Undersecretary of Energy Affairs and Deputy Secretary for Energy. Prior to working for the State of California, he was president and CEO of Infotility, Inc., an energy consulting and software development firm based in Boulder, Colorado. He is also a past president and CEO of Electronic Lighting, Inc., a manufacturer of controllable lighting systems, and he served as marketing and demand planning administrator for Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant, a publicly owned utility in Massachusetts. Mr. Desmond has served as co-chair of the Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group's Energy Committee and as a board member of the National Association of Energy Service Companies.
About NorthernStar Natural Gas, Inc.
At NorthernStar Natural Gas, we create innovative solutions that bring clean, safe, affordable natural gas to meet America's energy needs. Led by a dynamic executive team with deep industry experience, NorthernStar is a US owned and operated company that is currently developing liquefied natural gas terminals across the country. We combine our business aspirations with a bold commitment to improve the communities where we live and work by generating new jobs and economic opportunities, supporting better education for our children and leaving a lasting legacy of environmental excellence in all that we undertake. NorthernStar Natural Gas is the Nation's Clean, Safe Energy Solution™.
For more information about NorthernStar Natural Gas Inc., please visit:
http://www.northernstar-ng.com
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