2007 Jul 13

Editorial

A formidable opponent

The LNG fighters from Save Passamaquoddy Bay/Canada offered a state of the union address Tuesday night in St. Andrews to explain how their campaign to keep liquefied natural gas tankers out of Passamaquoddy is going — and to explain where it's going.

The complex issue touches the highest levels of government the Prime Minister's Office and the White House — involves the most tangled arms of bureaucracy and brings into sharp focus the touchiest, most explosive of global issues from energy supplies, dependence on foreign oil, the environment, terrorism, and the economy.

But despite the involvement of big government, big corporations, and armies of lawyers, a grassroots, ground-swell movement, Save Passamaquoddy Bay, continues to be a strong voice in the debate. As outlined Tuesday night, Save Passamaquoddy Bay is an official part of the American LNG permitting process as an intervener with the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. That's important because it gives the group strength now and in the event they find themselves having to appeal a future decision.

But the group also lost something Tuesday night with the announcement that Janice Harvey is stepping down as co-chairperson of Save Passamaquoddy Bay/Canada. The environmental activist, writer, and commentator is leaving to pursue her master's degree and her knowledge and her ability to get the group's message through to the public, the press and politicians, will be missed.

Save Passamaquoddy Bay, however, has grown and there are others willing to step in to fill the void. St. Andrews Mayor John Craig continues to speak out, as he did Tuesday night when he re-affirmed his position as a leading voice against American LNG developers. Normally, the words, "And now a few words from the mayor," are a cue to go out for a snack, but not when Craig takes the podium to talk about LNG. He's right when he says the developments bring 100 per cent risk and zero chance of gain to St. Andrews, and he speaks from the gut when he says this fight is for his children and their children.

He's also putting his money where his mouth is. St. Andrews is now matching donations to Save Passamaquoddy Bay and issuing tax receipts for donations made.

With LNG developments moving through the permitting processes, the future of Passamaquoddy Bay remains uncertain. Save Passamaquoddy Bay members and leaders have left little question about their commitment. This group is showing it is prepared for a long fight and that Save Passamaquoddy Bay is a formidable opponent.