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Senate Passes Energy Bill With LNG Provisions, 74-26; Feinstein & Boxer Vote "No" — Long Beach Report, Long Beach, California
See how each member of the Senate voted: Snowe & Collins voted in favor of the bill.
Bill strips states of control over LNG — Delaware Online
Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del., criticized the bill not only for the LNG provision but also for multiple tax breaks targeted to big energy companies. "The tax breaks included in this legislation directly benefit energy companies' bottom line, and no savings are passed along to the consumer," Castle said. "To say this legislation will lower gas prices is simply misleading."
Anti-LNG dream world [Letter to the editor] — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
The St. Andrews group that is opposed to LNG on Passamaquoddy Bay is only interested in their own little dream world. — Thomas Bonner, Alexander, ME
[WEBMASTER'S NOTE: St. Andrews' "dream world"? "Economically successful" world is more accurate, and they have every right to protect it. As always with Bangor Daily News letters to the editor, the online page contains no link to take you directly to a particular letter, and most letter's headlines are undistinguishable from the body text. To find the letter using the above link, search the page for " Anti-LNG dream world".]
Company wants nation's biggest LNG terminal to be bigger — Dateline Alabama
Cheniere has applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for permission to add three storage tanks to hold an additional 10 billion cubic feet of gas at the site. The terminal is being built on a 568-acre site in Cameron Parish, about four miles up the Sabine River on the state line.
Reilly vows to fight LNG — Herald News, Fall River, MA
[Attorney General Reilly] said he believes FERC "overstepped its bounds" by approving the facility in Fall River, and the motion for rehearing is primarily based on "public safety concerns." "So many people are impacted by this," Reilly said. "FERC acknowledged that public safety is something to be taken seriously, but doesn’t follow through." (July 29)
N.J. files lawsuit against Delaware over LNG plant along river — Newsday.com
[John Hughes, Delaware's environmental secretary] also defended the denial of the LNG pier, saying his state's environmental laws prohibit "heavy industry and certain manufacturing procedures inside our coastal zone." (Jul 28)
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Acknowledging LNG's place in Maine [Op-ed] — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
"Openness and transparency are cornerstones of our approach at Downeast LNG. To that end, we recently reached out to the leading opposition group to LNG development in Washington County. We wanted to formally present and discuss our project and to ensure that the objectives we both shared, sustainable economic development for the area, were adequately addressed. Ironically, they refused to meet with us." — Dean Girdis, Downeast LNG
NOTE: The Bangor Daily News ("Mill Cove LNG officials meet residents", 2005 July 15) reported that Downeast LNG "company officials already have begun a dialogue with some of the opponents to the Pleasant Point project, including members of Save Passamaquoddy Bay."
In fact, when Girdis and Wyatt stopped unexpectedly by the office of Linda Godfrey, coordinator of Save Passamaquoddy Bay 3-Nation Alliance, she met with them at length, but also informed them that Save Passamaquoddy Bay is unequivocally opposed to their project.
Additionally, members of Save Passamaquoddy Bay have attended Downeast LNG presentations at public meetings, and we are in posession of their plans.
Save Passamaquoddy Bay, as a group, has decided that, given these things, there is no need to meet with Downeast LNG.
Dean Girdis' op-ed statement disingenuously gives the impression that no one from our organization has ever met with them.
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Energy policy close to passage — Press Herald, Portland, ME
The bill ... split Maine's delegation. Democratic Reps. Tom Allen and Mike Michaud opposed the bill Thursday, saying it rewarded oil producers at the expense of conservation. Republican Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins each voiced concerns about the final bill Thursday. But Snowe said she would support it as "a step forward," and Collins said she was reviewing it.
Province decides to refurbish Point Lepreau — CBC News, New Brunswick
The New Brunswick government has decided to refurbish the aging Point Lepreau nuclear generating station, Premier Bernard Lord announced Friday. The decision came after a study determined that upgrading the plant makes more economic sense than building a new coal-fired plant and paying to decommission Lepreau.
'Hot spot' fish areas being depleted — Globe and Mail, Toronto, Ontario (Free registration required)
Dr. Worm said that two years ago he and Dr. Myers noticed areas of richness in the northwest Atlantic, off Canada's East Coast.
[WEBMASTER'S NOTE: This article provides good evidence against damaging productive fishing areas.]
LNG & Red Tide — Fishermen's Voice, Gouldsboro, ME
Although there are different kinds of algal blooms (such as red tide) and many factors contribute to their outbreak, it’s widely recognized that global climate changes may be exacerbating the incidents. Greenhouse gas emissions—mostly from fossil fuel exploration, transportation, and consumption—are widely recognized as contributors to climate change. (July 2005)
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House Passes Final Version Of Fed'l Energy Bill With State/Local LNG Preemption — Long Beach Report, Long Beach, California
The House of Representatives has voted 275-156 to pass a final version (House-Senate conference version) of the federal Energy bill ("Energy Policy Act of 2005"), with provisions stripping state and local bodies of safety and siting decisionmaking on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities.
Sakhalin-2 LNG Project Under Fire From Environmentalists, Lenders — MoscowNews.com
Environmental issues are not the only problem that hinders the development of Sakhalin-2. Or, rather, environmental issues have created additional problems for the project. Kyodo News reported on Thursday, July 28, that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has decided against giving Sakhalin Energy a loan necessary for the construction of an export gas pipeline. The decision not to provide the loan was made because the bank is worried about the unsatisfactory level of environmental protection measures.
Officials seek broad opposition to LNG — Providence Journal, Providence, RI (Free subscription required)
Fall River has set aside $650,000 to pay for the services of energy lawyer Edward Berlin, environmental lawyer Robert Taylor and Lester Hyman, a lawyer who specializes in legislative and political matters.
New energy strategy urged for Nova Scotia — Globe and Mail, Toronto, Ontario (Free registration required)
The report is skeptical that the construction of several LNG terminals in the Maritimes will produce lasting economic benefits. "Beyond the safety risks, the long-term benefits, in terms of, for example, employment and government revenue, of developing LNG production capacity are minimal at best," it says. (Jul 26)
Downeast LNG eyes terminal — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
Girdis says the 80-acre site on the south side of Mill Cove was selected after more than a year of extensive research. (Jul 22)
[WEBMASTER'S NOTE: Downeast LNG's "extensive research" evidently didn't account for the offense that St. Andrews would take to it, or Canada's ability to prevent LNG ships from passing through Head Harbour Passage.]
Quoddy Bay aiming for 3 storage tanks — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
Exclusion zones will not be required for the pipeline, but there will be a 1,000-foot exclusion zone for the storage tanks. (Jul 22)
[WEBMASTER'S NOTE: Isn't anyone bothered that LNG in a tank requires an exclusion zone, but LNG in a pipeline running near your house doesn't require an exclusion zone?]
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FERC Approves Ingleside LNG Terminal — Energy Online
The FERC approved on July 21 the proposed Ingleside LNG terminal and related facilities. The project site is on the shore of Corpus Christi Bay near Ingleside, Texas, and is owned by Occidental Chemical Corp., the parent company of the applicant, Ingleside Energy Center.
Congress prepared to move on LNG — Mobile Register, AL.com, Mobile, Alabama
Taking the position that national energy needs come before state and local safety concerns, Congress is poised to cement the federal government's control over the siting of onshore liquefied natural gas terminals. Both the House and Senate are expected to vote on the final bill by the end of the week.
Canada town against LNG — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
They ... plan to ask their federal government to deny the transportation of LNG supertankers through Head Harbour Passage at neighboring Campobello Island, past East Quoddy [Head] Lighthouse. The tankers would have to travel through Canadian waters on their way to the terminals.
"The danger was clear then [during the Pittston oil refinery proposal from 1974 – 1982] and it is clear today as we talk about the shipping of even more dangerous goods," [Member of Parliament Greg Thompson] said. "I agree that the Canadian government must take affirmative action now."
Alternatives to LNG plant aired in Machias — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
A presentation by two representatives of Save Passamaquoddy Bay at a special meeting of the board of directors of the Sunrise County Economic Council evolved into a spirited dialogue Tuesday about what's possible for Washington County in terms of economic development.
U.S. LNG proponent explores Maine options — Telegraph-Journal, New Brunswick
We have land in Robbinston that is adequate for an LNG import facility, it's actually perfect ... except for the fact that it's right across from St. Andrews, a big resort community and kind of on their face," said Brian Smith of Quoddy Bay LLC.
He doesn't want to put in the unloading facility in Robbinston because it is across from St. Andrews and is a sensitive estuary. It won't be visible from Eastport and will be barely visible from St. Andrews, in the far corner of the bay, he said.
[WEBMASTER'S NOTE: Never mind that, in order to place their underwater LNG pipeline, they'd have to dredge up the bottom of Western Passage and Passamaquoddy Bay, including the "sensitive estuary" that Brian Smith disingenuously mentions.]
Compromise energy bill sets stage for LNG fight — Ventura County Star, Ventura, CA (free registration required)
"These decisions should not be in the hands solely of the federal authorities because, frankly, they have not come up with an assessment of how many LNG terminals are needed, and they are basically letting any Tom, Dick and Harry rush through the door with a proposal," said Susan Jordan, director of the nonprofit California Coastal Protection Network.
Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, called the bill "a lost opportunity to ensure we can meet our country's energy needs in the future and do so in a way that respects our environment."
Energy Bill Lacks Power [Editorial] — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
Rather than promote conservation by raising automobile fuel efficiency standards, for example, the bill seeks to produce more energy. It includes large subsidies, spread over 10 years, for nuclear power and for oil, gas and coal exploration and production, even though the country's largest oil and gas companies are expected soon to announce record profits.
Canadians Against LNG Projects In Maine — WLBZ-TV, Bangor, ME
The town's mayor, John Craig, says supertanker traffic through Head Harbour Passage is dangerous and could - in his words - "mean the end of life as we know it."
Energy strategy needs refit: think-tank — CBC News, Nova Scotia
Now, with estimates of gas reserves off Sable Island down by more than 60 per cent and energy prices rising, [Larry Hughes, author and engineering professor at Dalhousie University] says the province cannot afford to wait to focus more on energy conservation. (Jul 26)
SWRPA to Host Presentation on Floating LNG Terminal Proposal — WestportNow.com, Westport, CT
A special meeting of the South Western Regional Planning Agency (SWRPA) will be held Monday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. for a presentation on the floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal that is proposed for Long Island Sound. (Jul 25)
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Adding storage tanks for LNG will be a benefit for Maine [Editorial] — Press Herald, Portland, ME
The rush to build terminals shouldn't mean that, just because developers find sites and communities willing to accept them, that the places they select are the best possible ones for terminals. (Jul 24)
Economic Optimism — Ellsworth American, Ellsworth, Maine
Obviously, there is a long way from concept to reality both for the LNG facility and the basalt plant. But if the projects receive sufficient local support and due diligence is given to environmental and other regulatory concerns, there is good reason to believe that Washington County’s economy could be on the verge of a much-needed turn for the better. Without a racino. (Jul 21)
[WEBMASTER'S NOTE: On the other hand, if LNG facilities were so wonderful, then the people of Casco Bay, Harpswell, and Corea (in Gouldsboro) would have welcomed one in their back yards. What the Ellsworth American obviously doesn't understand is that Passamaquoddy Bay currently generates around $1billion in business in Maine and New Brunswick from fishing, tourism, whalewatching, and other marine-related businesses. An LNG facility would do irreparable harm to that economy, in addition to threatening the safety, security, and ecology of this peaceful, beautiful area.]
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Congress considers sidestepping opponents of LNG — MyWestTexas.com
[New LNG terminal] proposals ... have stirred opposition among state officials and even some U.S. government researchers over LNG's possible threats to the environment and its potential vulnerability to terrorist attack. During the next two weeks, House and Senate conferees will consider a plan that shifts much of the authority over where and how new LNG terminals will be built from state officials to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Australian energy company avoids strict smog rules for LNG port — Malibu Times, Malibu, California
The Environmental Protection Agency's action was labeled a reversal by coastal advocates and allows BHP Billiton to release more than 261 tons of smog-producing pollutants per year upwind of nearby Malibu and Los Angeles. (Jul 20)
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Robbinston panel to send LNG plans to residents — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
The town's five-man planning board listened to the newest liquefied natural gas proposal for an hour Thursday, then agreed the matter should go before selectmen and residents before the panel considers it any further.
Lawmakers seek state LNG control: Biden, Carper, Castle renew push — Delaware Online
Sen. Joe Biden and Tom Carper, both Democrats, and Rep. Mike Castle, a Republican, said they want House-Senate conferees to scuttle a push to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission power to override state decisions on new import terminal locations.
Reject ISO New England’s ‘pay and pray’ energy plan [Editorial] — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
So, the ISO recommends giving money to companies that own power plants in the region in hopes that they, or someone else, will build new generation when we need it. But under the ISO’s plan no company that receives rate-payer money is required to generate electricity when supplies get tight. Existing plant owners could pocket the money now and close down in a few years, leaving us hanging. To make matters worse, there is no requirement for any company to build a single new power plant. In short, the ISO proposes that we pay generators today and pray that they will be there for us tomorrow.
The ISO’s pay-and-pray plan is wrong for New England and wrong for Maine. A much more straightforward approach would be for the ISO to hold an auction for the “services” needed to meet increasing demand. The “services” could include a portfolio of traditional power plants, renewable generation, and efficiency projects.
Quoddy Bay Meets Robbinston Planning Board Informal Discussion — WQDY-FM, Calais, Maine
When Brian Smith of Quoddy Bay LLC was asked why they didn't want to place an import terminal in Mill Cove, he responded, "One issue was the resort community of St. Andrews, New Brunswick. And granted, they're across the bay, but the resort community of St. Andrews was opposed moderately to the Gleason Cove facility, and we know that the community of St. Andrews is extremely important to the Canadian communities." Smith continued, "and third, we also learned from Gleason Cove that marine estuaries, even if they're somewhat inactive or not what they used to be are very important to local communities."
Linda Godfrey said [Save Passamaquoddy Bay] "is against all projects -- underline all projects -- that are now, or ever would be part of what we call a 'feeding frenzy.'" She likened it to, "sharks coming to a place and enter a feeding frenzy, and then the sharks begin to nip at each other. The sharks in this case being the developers who are coming here...." (Jul22)
Town will pay $25,000 to anti-LNG legal team — Providence Journal, Providence, RI
The Town Council will give $25,000 in funds to a team of Washington-based lawyers that is already representing the city of Fall River to fight a proposed LNG terminal at Weaver's Cove. The council also agreed to issue a letter to call all Narragansett Bay communities to file a friends-of-the- court brief and join forces with Fall River, which is preparing a federal appeal to stop the Weaver's Cove project. (Jul 21)
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FERC issues final LNG project order — Standard-Times, New Bedford, MA
The city of Fall River and state Attorney General Tom Reilly have 30 days from last Friday to file a request for the commission to reconsider its decision.
States [and communities] may pay for LNG security — Standard-Times, New Bedford, MA
"The Coast Guard plan is crap," said [Fall River] Mayor Lambert. "It is incredibly weak. Fall River has more police officers at a parade than the personnel in [FERC's] 'robust' plan." (Jul 19)
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Full Force of the Law [Letter to the Editor] — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
"There have been numerous improprieties related to procedure at the tribal government level and at the BIA. We're going to get to the bottom of it, and see to it that those responsible face the full force of the law." — Tribal Councilor Hilda Lewis [NOTE: As always with Bangor Daily News letters to the editor, the online page contains no link to take you directly to a particular letter, and most letter's headlines are undistinguishable from the body text. To find the letter using the above link, search the page for "Full force of the law".]
St. Croix River management plan lauded — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
The St. Croix International Waterway Commission is one of five finalists for an international award that recognizes excellence in river management. "We are very honored and quite thrilled by our selection," Tom Moffatt, the commission's New Brunswick co-chair, said Tuesday. "Everyone who is involved with the St. Croix should be proud of this nomination -- we have a very special waterway and are working together to keep it that way," Ken Gordon, the Maine co-chair, added.
[WEBMASTER'S NOTE: It is in and at the mouth of this same St. Croix River that the two current LNG projects (Downeast LNG terminal and tank farm, and Quoddy Bay LLC tank farm) are being proposed.]
City gets go-ahead to appeal — Herald News, Fall River, MA
"What [FERC's approval of the Fall River LNG site] does do ... is put in black and white the fallacy of federal government thinking relative to the placement of these terminals," [Mayor Edward] Lambert said. "And I believe it sets a wrong-headed national precedent for how these projects should be built and where they should be built. We will challenge it on those and other grounds." Included in [FERC's] order is the rejection of the city’s request for an evidentiary hearing regarding the siting of the facility. That denial, Lambert said, may be appealed in federal court.
Methane May Pack Double the Climate Punch of Earlier Estimates — Environment News Service
Molecule for molecule, methane is 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) as a greenhouse gas, but CO2 is much more abundant than methane and the predicted growth rate is far greater, according to Drew Shindell, an atmospheric physicist who investigates climate change and atmospheric chemistry and a physicist at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies. (Jul 19)
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St. Andrews mayor opposes LNG projects — CBC New Brunswick
St. Andrew's mayor John Craig said he feels inundated by these projects, and said council intends to do whatever it can to stop them. "One of the things I'll be pushing hard for is that we're going to have to hire…people full time to work on this, to lobby our government and to work hard, because we have so many issues in a town, and this one here seems to be coming at us very hard and very fast. All the different communities are going to have to work together on this.
Robbinston LNG storage proposed — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
The terminal and the storage tanks would be connected by an 8-mile underwater pipeline through Passamaquoddy Bay.
LNG proposal stirs up community: Robbinston area residents wonder about impact on larger ecosystem — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
[Downeast LNG developer, Dean] Girdis, however, questioned Quoddy Bay's plan to put an LNG pipeline underwater. The pipeline would stretch eight miles from Robbinston to Pleasant Point where the company hopes to put its terminal. "It's never been done before. There is no LNG pipeline under the water," Girdis said.
LNG Choices [Editorial] — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
It is important to remember that both companies are still basically at the venture capital stage. Neither has publicly said it has contracts or is even in negotiations with energy companies to provide the LNG that will be offloaded at a Washington County terminal. Neither has either company said it is in negotiations with Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, the company that owns the gas pipeline that traverses the state.
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Quoddy Bay proposes LNG storage tanks in Robbinston — MaineToday.com
A spokesman for the Quoddy Bay project denies that the addition of the storage tanks is an attempt to derail the proposal put forward by Downeast LNG.
Sable pipeline will ship liquified natural gas — CBC News, New Brunswick
Wolffish catch nets first species-at-risk conviction — CBC News, Canada
LNG tankers get ok to use Strait of Canso — CBC News, New Brunswick
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Homeland Security chief won't inspect LNG site — Boston.com
Senator Edward M. Kennedy assailed the Homeland Security chief for refusing to personally inspect a site in Fall River proposed for a liquefied natural gas terminal.
Testimony: Better LNG deal possible — Daily News, Galveston, TX
Nancy Saint-Paul filed suit against the city arguing that the state’s Open Meetings Act wasn’t observed when the deal was struck.
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Lease language, appeal process divides parties in LNG project — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
Bailey said members of the tribal council reviewed the lease in November. The terms "were hashed out two to three hours at that meeting," he said. "They went over all the business terms. The entire council was there."
[WEBMASTER'S NOTE: Tribal Council Member Hilda Lewis tells us that Mr. Bailey is "dead wrong" regarding his assertions that the entire Tribal council reviewed the lease and hashed it out. Council Member Lewis states that the lease wasn't even written until May 2005, so they couldn't have reviewed it in November 2004.]
Another LNG terminal proposed — Press Herald, Portland, ME
So far, Girdis' approach has won tentative praise from a local citizens' group that has opposed the Pleasant Point proposal. "(Downeast LNG) seem to be willing to listen and honor this place and the people," said Linda Godfrey, president [sic] of Save Passamaquoddy Bay. "That is 100 percent different than Quoddy Bay." ... Godfrey added the group also remains "very concerned about the whole LNG industry and we will be watching with great vigilance as this new idea unfolds. We know that LNG terminals are just the first step that leads to significant industrial development." (Jul 13)
[WEBMASTER'S NOTE: While Downeast LNG's attitude regarding actually listening to residents is good, they still intend to site the project within a half-mile of 30 Robbinston homes (and within a mile of many more); to locate it on the front door of St. Andrews; to traverse their LNG tankers within a dangerous distance of several different communities' homes, businesses, healthcare facilities, and schools; and to disrupt the local fishing and tourism industries. Should a catastrophic LNG spill and fire result, people within a full mile away from the fire can receive serious burns in 30 seconds, according to the Sandia National Laboratories' 2004 report to government. We don't consider those problems to be at all friendly, and we oppose this project.]
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LNG foes may seek appeal of lease — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
In the July 6 letter, Williams based her client's objections to the lease agreement on several procedural grounds including a "lack of transparency" because the governing tribal council at Pleasant Point was not allowed to see the lease until an hour before they voted on it. "And once the vote was over," Williams said in her letter, "even those copies were taken back by the Quoddy Bay representative."
Robbinston residents meet LNG developers — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
The Robbinston plan would consist of an LNG storage tank, processing equipment, a new pier and several small support buildings. They hope to employ approximately 300 people during the construction phase and more than 50 people when the facility becomes operational in about five years.
Several times, the developers made mention of the fact that they were not connected to the Quoddy Bay project, which has come under criticism from opponents who've said that the tribe and company held most of their meetings in secret. (Jul 13)
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New LNG Terminal Approved in Fall River: CLF Vows to Appeal Faulty Decision — Conservation Law Foundation
LNG terminal proposals, however, must be appropriately sited so as to ensure safe and environmentally protective operation. We are concerned that this proposal does not meet these requirements" said CLF Senior Attorney Roger Fleming.
Pipeline safety sparks added worries to LNG concerns — Daily Astorian, Astoria, Oregon
A federal study of natural gas safety, called the C-FER study, shows that for a 30-inch pipeline, there should be 660-foot safety buffer on each side. (Jul 12)
HALO® Port Security Barriers Provide Comprehensive Protection for LNG Facilities & LNG Projects [News Release] — PR.com
The HALO Port Security Barrier is Elemental Innovation's answer for LNG facility security. The eco-friendly, tunable HALO Port Security Barriers protects LNG facilities from a terrorist act such as a boat strike, or covert underwater incursion by divers. By forming an impenatrable security fence, HALO Port Security Barriers make certain that intruders cannot enter protected areas. (Jul 12)
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LNG suitor unveils Robbinston plan: Facility would have storage tank, new pier — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
There now are two competing LNG developers hoping to build terminals Down East [Downeast LNG and Quoddy Bay LLC].
LNG terminal proposed for Robbinston, Maine [News Release] — Press Herald, Portland, ME
[News Release from Pierce Atwood Consulting]
Girdis said that project would be built on an 80–acre site on the south side of Mill Cove, near where the St. Croix River meets the Passamaquoddy Bay.
Second LNG terminal project proposed for Maine — Reuters.com
A newly formed company on Tuesday said it wants to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on Maine's Passamaquoddy Bay, the second such facility planned for the region.
LNG opponents vow to appeal land lease approval — Boston Herald, Boston, MA
A Bar Harbor-based lawyer representing several LNG opponents told the Bureau of Indian Affairs that she had concerns about details in the lease agreement. She also raised concerns about the way the tribal council conducted business.
A spokesman for the LNG project said last week that the announcement was withheld until after the 30-day deadline for appeal to the BIA had expired. But the spokesman said Monday that he had misspoken and that the appeals period was open-ended. (Jul 11)
More Opposition to LNG Terminal — WLBZ-TV, Bangor, ME
The lawyer representing the opponents says there are several problems with the agreement, including the tribe's waiver of property taxes for Quoddy Bay, buffer zones surrounding LNG tankers, and language that might allow LNG storage tanks to be built on the site in the future.
Bill concentrates federal influence [Editorial] — Advocate, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Louisiana already has suffered enough devastation along its coastline, in part because of lax environmental regulation. (Jul 10)
Opponents Cry Foul Over Delayed LNG Announcement — WQDY-FM, Calais, Maine
[Attorney Lynne Williams] explained the BIA gave their okay June 1. There's a 30 day appeal period, but there was no public announcement, until this week. (Jul 8)
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Tribe's LNG lease studied — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
[Robert] Godfrey questioned whether [a provision in the lease] means land at Gleason's Cove is back on the table. In March, Perry voters turned down a request to allow the tribe to build an LNG terminal on land it annexed from the town. Part of that land included Gleason's Cove. But [Tribal attorney Craig] Francis said that portion of the contract simply allows the tribe to use tribal land.
[WEBMASTER'S NOTE: Why would the contract between the Tribe and Quoddy Bay LLC need to, as Francis says, give permission to the Tribe to use Tribal land? Apparently there is question as a result of the lease agreement as to who, in effect through the lease, really does "own" that land.]
Bangor Daily News apologizes for publishing Edward Bassett's libel — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
Correction [in Letters to the Editor; last item on page, included here in its entirety]
"In a June 22 commentary concerning an absence of news coverage of tribal meetings regarding LNG, Robert Godfrey wrote, 'If this were happening in another country, U.S. politicians and human rights organizations would be speechifying on how terrible it all is. They'd be sending in elections observers and consultants to teach democratic process. They might even invade!' In a response on June 30, Edward Bassett wrote, 'Does Godfrey advocate a double standard? Actually he is advocating something even more sinister, an invasion.' Mr. Godfrey never advocated an invasion, an error for which we apologize and that should have been caught in the editing process." (Bold emphasis added; Jul 8)
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Walk a mile in our moccasins [Op-ed column by Ed Basset, pro-LNG operator of Pleasant Point Tribal Television] — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
"Preaching about democracy and tyranny, Godfrey would be well served if he were to get some real education. Maybe he should learn before he speaks."
"Godfrey ... writes, 'At times, voices of opposition have been prevented from speaking at tribal council meetings.' This is another false statement. I have attended some of these council meetings and have witnessed the opposition dominating the deliberations and filibustering at the council meetings. Godfrey knows nothing of these events." (Jun 30)
[RESPONSE: What Ed Basset didn't know when he wrote his above opinion is that, prior to my June 22 op-ed column in the Bangor Daily News where I criticized Pleasant Point Tribal Council, I had already viewed privately-recorded video footage of the Tribal Council committing Civil Rights violations. Basset's assertion that I advocated invasion is just as absurd and hypocritical as his spin on the entire matter. (See Bangor Daily News apology for printing Bassett's libelous diatribe.) —Robert Godfrey]
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Energy Adviser Who Solicited Enron to Help Write Nat’l Energy Policy to Be Named Chair of FERC — CommonDreams.org
What’s most troubling about Kelliher’s appointment to head FERC, a role in which his main priority will now be to protect consumers from the manipulative tactics of the very industry he enjoys a cozy relationship with, is the relentless lobbying of bigwigs in the energy industry in early 2001, as a member of Vice President Dick Cheney’s energy task force, to help write President Bush’s National Energy Policy in such a way that would be financially beneficial to energy corporations—at the expense of consumers. (Jul 2)
New ally seen in LNG battle — Herald News, Fall River, MA
The American Gas Association is supporting the creation of exclusion zones for LNG tankers (Jul 2)
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Coast Guard shuns protest flotilla: Anti-LNG group warned against Head Harbour to Eastport 'Sail-a-Bration' — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
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