The Saint Croix Courier

2007 Jul 13

LNG fight a tax write-off

By BARB RAYNER

ST.ANDREWS — The Town of St. Andrews has pledged $15,000 this year towards the fight against liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Passamaquoddy Bay and Mayor John Craig said this week that anyone who makes a donation to this effort will receive a tax receipt.

His announcement at a public information session of Save Passamaquoddy Bay/Canada Tuesday night at the W.C. O'Neill Arena, was greeted with enthusiastic applause by the crowd of about 150 people. The town has also agreed to match any funds SPB/Canada raises.

"If you give $100 to the town for this cause we will give $200 to Save Passamaquoddy Bay and you will receive a tax deductible receipt from the town of St. Andrews," Craig said. For administrative reasons, donations must be over $25.

Craig also challenged all of the municipalities in Charlotte County to financially support the Save Passamaquoddy Bay group in their campaign to block proposed LNG import terminals on the Maine side of Passamaquoddy Bay.

"Up until now St. Andrews is the only municipality to give financial support to ensure LNG is kept out of our bay," Craig said. "It is now time for the others to come to the table and give because the threat affects all of us and we must work together to ensure our bay and our way of life is preserved."

Craig had strong words for the developers. "St. Andrews town council is committed to fight this battle and, make no mistake, this is not a popularity contest. This is a battle against profit-orientated companies who would destroy our way of life in a heartbeat to expand their already deep pockets," he said.

"LNG in Passamaquoddy Bay would not only destroy our way of life, it would destroy our childrens' future — and to what gain? To make the LNG developers and their friends in Boston richer and richer."

Craig, one of the most outspoken opponents of the LNG developments, said St. Andrews has much to lose if the industry is permitted into the area.

"I am not concerned about what (Downeast LNG president) Dean Girdis thinks of me. What I am concerned about is what my children and their children will think of me if I didn't stand with you to fight this most dangerous threat in our town and our bay," Craig said.

He said the town council has been strong, united, and unwavering because the area has everything to lose and nothing to gain from American LNG developments.

"We owe it not only to ourselves but we owe it to other generations. The generation that came before us, that gave us this beautiful town and pristine bay, and the generations that come after us — our children and their children. We are proud to be fighting this battle with all of you. Together we will win this fight," he said.