In an issue that will get the environmentalists keyed up….

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will hold public meetings next week on a proposed 119-mile natural gas pipeline that would run mostly parallel to an existing pipeline along the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge.

Williams Northwest Pipeline says the Blue Bridge Pipeline is needed to meet increased demand for natural gas in Western Washington – specifically Puget Sound.

The Vancouver Columbian reports the pipeline would enter Washington at the small town of Plymouth and connect with the north-south Williams pipeline at Washougal.

At hearings Aug. 12: Skamania Lodge, 1131 S.W. Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, 7 p.m.

– To comment by mail: www.ferc.gov or The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20426. Refer to Docket No. PF09-10-000.