Veresen Inc. ("Veresen" or the "Company") (TSX: VSN) announced that its application to the National Energy Board ("NEB") for a long-term licence to export natural gas from Canada to the United States has been approved by the NEB. The exported natural gas will supply Veresen's proposed Jordan Cove liquefied natural gas ("LNG") export project located in Coos Bay, Oregon. The issuance of the licence to export natural gas is subject to approval of the Governor in Council.

"This favourable National Energy Board decision is another important step forward in the development of our Jordan Cove LNG project," said Don Althoff, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our proposed LNG facility would provide western Canadian producers with access to large, new markets, primarily using existing natural gas infrastructure and our project is well-positioned to generate long-term benefits for the energy industry."

The NEB permit allows for an export volume of 1.55 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) for 25 years, translating into 9 million tonnes per year (MMt/y) of LNG export capacity from the Jordan Cove terminal. While the initial liquefaction design capacity of the Jordan Cove facility is 6 MMt/y, an expansion to 9 MMt/y is possible.

To reach the Jordan Cove facility, western Canadian natural gas will travel via existing pipeline and gas gathering networks to the Malin trading hub located in southern Oregon. From Malin, the proposed Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline ("Pacific Connector") will transport natural gas to the Jordan Cove liquefaction terminal. Pacific Connector is a proposed 232-mile, 36-inch pipeline owned equally by Veresen and The Williams Companies, Inc.

About Veresen Inc.

Veresen is a publicly-traded dividend paying corporation based in Calgary, Alberta, that owns and operates energy infrastructure assets across North America. Veresen is engaged in three principal businesses: a pipeline transportation business comprised of interests in two pipeline systems, the Alliance Pipeline and the Alberta Ethane Gathering System; a midstream business which includes ownership interests in a world-class natural gas liquids extraction facility near Chicago, the Hythe/Steeprock complex, and other natural gas and NGL processing energy infrastructure; and a power business with renewable and gas-fired facilities and development projects in Canada and the United States, and district energy systems in Ontario and Prince Edward Island. Veresen and each of its pipeline, midstream and power businesses are also actively developing a number of greenfield projects. In the normal course of its business, Veresen and each of its businesses regularly evaluate and pursue acquisition and development opportunities.
Veresen's common shares, Series A preferred shares, Series C preferred shares and 5.75% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures, Series C due July 31, 2017 are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols "VSN", "VSN.PR.A", "VSN.PR.C" and VSN.DB.C", respectively.

See the site of Jordan Cove Project