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Eastport City Manager Says Split Rock LNG Site Is Unacceptable, City Council Tables Discussion — WQDY-FM, Calais, ME
"If the Maine coast is where LNG needs to be situated, then the State of Maine has to be part of the process. And supportive of a process is not solely allowing the site to be in the poorest of neighborhoods that can least afford to protect their own interests."
"[W]e're not telling Quoddy Bay LNG that they're not welcomed in Passamaquoddy Bay, we're telling them we find that site (Split Rock) unacceptable. We're telling the State, we find that site unacceptable, and we're telling the Federal government, we find that site unacceptable.
Economic group lists priorities — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
Last week they arrived at eight key points that they want the Maine Legislature to consider this session.
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: There is — appropriately — no mention of LNG in the Washington County Task Force's eight key points. Even though they attempted to push LNG development here, it was not in their mandate, and they apparently have dropped the topic.]
Sides are lining up in Sears Island planning process — Waldo Independent, Belfast, ME
Steve Tanguay, filling in for his wife Astrig Tanguay, who has been active on the selectmen-appointed Sears Island Alternative Uses Committee (SIAUC) and more recently with PSI, said it was critical to the planning process “to make sure both the economic and environmental impacts” of any proposed development be considered. The Tanguays operate a family-run campground in Searsport across from Sears Island. They were instrumental in first raising widespread concern in 2004 over a DOT-supported proposal to build a $350 million liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on the island. Overwhelming public opposition to that proposal caused its unidentified developers to back off.
Dockworkers' Union Calls for Cleaner Air at Seaports — New York Times, New York, NY [Free registration required]
The effort to reduce smog stemming from seaports, among the biggest polluters in the nation, gained an ally on Monday when the union representing thousands of West Coast dockworkers promised to help significantly reduce toxic emissions.
Several recent studies have linked port pollution ... with smog, cancer, asthma and other health problems in nearby communities.
Do High Prices Mean We're Running Out of Natural Gas? — Newhouse News Service, Washington, DC
"A number of people have pointed out that our best policy on natural gas of late has been prayer -- pray for warm weather," Andrews said. "Prayer is not a great basis on which to build a national energy policy."
Broadwater files for LNG — New York Newsday, New York, NY
The project proposed by Broadwater, which has received much public opposition, calls for a floating LNG terminal about halfway between Wading River and New Haven, Conn. It is intended to provide an energy solution that incorporates proven technology to ensure the safety of coastal communities and avoids impacts to sensitive nearshore habitat. A new offshore pipeline will connect the LNG terminal to an existing pipeline system that currently transports natural gas to serve homes, businesses and power plants in the Long Island Sound region.
[T]he design of the mooring system will allow it to withstand wind and wave conditions beyond any experienced in Long Island Sound history. The proposed location of the facility and the pipeline has been moved to reflect input from fishermen, lobstermen and other marine users. (Jan 30)
Fears over offshore projects — New York Newsday, New York, NY
Many of those who make their living on the water or use it for recreation, as well as environmentalists, have concerns about the implications of each project. And they worry about the cumulative impact of placing these kinds of facilities off the shores of a heavily populated region. (Jan 30)
A new twist in the fight over a proposed LNG terminal in Fall River — WPRI-TV, Providence, RI
After buying their home four years ago, they now confess they’d have moved elsewhere had they known tankers would be carrying the hazardous cargo and docking so close. (Jan 28)
Miozza files federal LNG suit — Herald News, Fall River, MA
In his suit, Miozza says FERC should have held a hearing, where opponents could present their case.
Miozza said not having access to all the information prevented him from effectively participating in the FERC review process before the agency approved the facility. (Jan 28)
Groups, Shell debate risk to Gulf from gas facility — Advocate, Baton Rouge, LA
“Here are the only open-loop proposed locations in the country, and they all fit on this map of the Gulf,” Favre said. “The Gulf is the sole target for this type of project.” No one seems to be looking at the cumulative impact of having a number of facilities taking in water from the Gulf, he said. (Jan 28)
Concerns with LNG — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
[New Brunswick's Environment and Local Government Minister Trevor Holder] said the site across from St. Andrews was the only LNG proposal he was aware of and that the government wasn't comfortable with that site for a number of reasons, primarily safety, environmental and the effect it would have on the tourist industry in the area. (Jan 27)
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Big oil spill underscores hurricane hazards in Gulf — Mobile Register, Mobile, AL
A double-hulled tanker barge now drained and floating upside down at a dock off Mobile Bay was responsible for what appears to be one of the Gulf of Mexico's largest oil spills, which received scant attention when it occurred after midnight Nov. 11. A gash in the hull 35 feet long and 6 feet wide released up to 3 million gallons of oil off the coasts of Louisiana and Texas. [Bold & red emphasis added.] (Jan 20)
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: This incident sinks the LNG tanker "double-hull infallability" myth.]
Attorney General Joins LNG Terminal Fight — WCVB-TV, Boston, MA
The appeal was filed jointly by Fall River Mayor Edward Lambert, Massachusetts Attorney General Tom Reilly, Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch and the Massachusetts Energy Facility Siting Board.
"We also are challenging the fact that this decision by FERC flies in the face of congressional intent," he said, referring to federal pipeline regulations that mandate where a terminal can be built and call for an evidentiary hearing if there is a dispute of the facts surrounding a new facility.
MA & RI File Suit Against LNG Proposal — CBS-4, Boston, MA
The appeal was filed jointly by Massachusetts and Rhode Island officials. The suit claims safety and legal issues were not properly considered when a federal commission approved the LNG facility.
Fall River Mayor Ed Lambert says he doesn't believe there is or ever could be an adequate safety plan for the terminal.
Council pens protest letter — Herald News, Fall River, MA
The company is seeking permits from the Army Corps for dredging in the Mount Hope Bay/Taunton River and to install structures and discharge fill materials in wetlands and waterways for the construction of the LNG terminal and natural gas pipeline facilities.
In its letter, the council states "no review should be made nor any permits considered for the construction of a proposed terminal whose access to the facility is contingent upon the Brightman Street Bridge being demolished."
Petition seeks $25,000 to fight LNG plan — Providence Journal, Providence, RI (Free registration required)
Opponents of the liquefied natural gas terminal proposed for Weaver's Cove in Fall River last night submitted a petition to the Board of Selectmen with 500 signatures asking that a special Town Meeting appropriate $25,000 for the legal battle to stop the project.
Just 100 valid signatures are needed to put the request before the voters at the meeting, set for March 13.
Governor pushes group for marine sanctuary — Newport News-Times, Newport, OR
...Carrier suggested, creation of a marine sanctuary under "federal authority in partnership with the state" might add to state strength in offshore energy matters
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Canadian MP vows to fight LNG terminal — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
"We [took] a position on this in September 2004, and our position has been carried over and articulated during the election. Obviously, we are against the passage of LNG tankers through Head Harbour Passage in what we consider to be internal Canadian waters," he said Tuesday. "And Mr. Harper has stated that we will use every diplomatic and legal means to enforce that no."
Last year, New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord joined Thompson when he also denounced proposed LNG projects along the nearby Maine coast.
LNG Foes Happy Harper Won, LNG Developers Press Onward — WQDY-FM, Calais, ME
After meeting with the St. Stephen Town Council, local reporters asked [Trevor Holder, NB's Minister of Environment and Local Government] for his stand on LNG in Passamaquoddy Bay.
He said, "our position as a government is that we're not comfortable with that site for a whole lot of reasons. We think there's a safety issue there."
But he was quick to add, "we're certainly very supportive of the one in Saint John. It'll be right next to an existing energy facility that Irving Oil currently owns in an industrial area."
Dean Girdis of Downeast LNG said of Harper, "you've got to look at the language which he used. Quoting Stephen Harper, I will pursue every diplomatic and legal option to stop LNG in Passamaquoddy Bay. You have to look at the basis. What is the legal basis for denying access to the territorial sea? There is no legal basis at present in Canadian legislation, either for maritime or any other legislation. It falls within innocent passage."
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: As hard as Girdis tries, he can't change maritime law by merely stating his flawed opinion.]
Better data sought on LNG plant plan [Editorial] — Connecticut Post, Bridgeport, CT
[T]he less-than-forthcoming data from the utility — for example, Broadwater recycled weather data from a Baltimore LNG plant to calculate how spilled LNG would disperse in Long Island Sound — doesn't send a comforting signal to residents along Long Island Sound.
Gas plan headed for battle in Council — Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, PA
Already, some members of Council have put PGW on notice that they don't like the idea.
"It is difficult to imagine a worse location for an LNG shipping terminal than Port Richmond," the three wrote.
Prospective Natural Gas Users Support Cabrillo Port; Letters of Intent/Interest Signed With 18 Consumers for Cabrillo Port Supply [News release] — Yahoo Finance
The FSRU [Floating Storage and Re-gasification Unit] will be based more than 14 miles from the closest point to shore and more than 21 miles from the city of Oxnard. Its location is outside existing shipping lanes and marine mammal migratory patterns, and well away from the Point Mugu U.S. naval testing area and the Channel Island Marine Sanctuary. [Bold emphasis added.]
CLF to Bring Fall River LNG Appeal to Federal Court: Legal Action Result of FERC Denail of CLF Appeal — Conservation Law Foundation, Boston, MA
"Since July 2005, several LNG projects from Canada to Massachusetts are in the permitting process and others have come on line; these new sources of natural gas, alone or combined, could provide the necessary supplies for the North East without the environmental and safety impacts associated with the Fall River proposal," said Susan Reid, an attorney with CLF in Massachusetts.
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Long-time Member Of Parliament Greg Thompson Re-elected — WQDY-FM, Calais, ME
"We've got some really good legal advice on this whole [LNG] issue. We just didn't enter into this in any kind of a callous, careless way, it's been well thought out and so it'll be one of the things that I am quite certain we'll move on very quickly," Thompson told us.
Ambassador gets his facts straight period. [Opinion column] — Sou'wester, Atlantic Canada
Sitting next to an elephant can be vexing at the best of times and Uncle Sam [is] one big mama pachyderm.
Is Canada so small in the spectrum of American politicianna that we only warrant men of the caliber of Celucci and Wilkins to come here to wave the Stars and Stripes?
Mercy…. (2005 Dec 1)
LNG coming to a seaport near you: A clear and present danger, or hot air about a cool fuel? — Offnews.info, Buenos Aires, Argentina
The heat generated by the Sandia report, the proponents add, has outpaced the light shed by its findings—and in some ways has overshadowed the debate about other important issues, such as how many LNG import facilities the country needs; how many of these should be deepwater ports; where they should be located according to business models, and how many LNG carriers can the economy support. (2005 Nov 1)
Del. to go the distance over boarder dispute — Bridgeton News, Bridgeton, NJ
New Jersey and Delaware have engaged in a chest-beating match over the Crown Landing proposal. Delaware state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would authorize a call-up of the National Guard to oppose the Crown Landing development.
Solving our gas pains [Editorial] — Boston Herald, Boston, MA
It seems Reps. Jim McGovern and Barney Frank managed to get a provision into last year’s transportation bill (one of those infamous “earmarks” you’ve been hearing a lot about lately), prohibiting the demolition of the now “historic” Brightman Street Bridge (already slated to be replaced by a modern span upriver).
The aging bridge is supposed to be turned into a walkway and bike path. But its real purpose is to impede tanker traffic at the proposed Weaver’s Cove facility, making it a first class political dirty trick. FERC officials declined to take the bridge into consideration one way or another. But what the political system has done, it can undo. And when New Englanders take a look at their January gas bills, they might just demand a different approach. (Jan 21)
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Or, the LNG developer could site their receiving facility miles offshore, where no one would be at risk.]
Jacome: Take LNG land — Herald News, Fall River, MA
"It’s going to be us versus them, and we are going to have to play hardball," [former mayoral candidate F. George Jacome] said. "The only thing that is going to stop this project dead in the water is to seize this land. We have to take it and take it now."
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Washington County task force supports LNG development — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
The vote was 8-0, with two abstentions.
Members voting in favor of LNG development were:
- Rep. Ed Dugay, D-Cherryfield, task force co-chairman;
- Rep. Anne Perry, D-Calais;
- Sen. Kevin Raye, R-Perry;
- Dianne Tilton, Sunrise County Economic Council executive director;
- Chris Gardner, Washington County commissioner;
- Cynthia Huggins, University of Maine at Machias president;
- Robert Jamison, Vicus Technology, Eastport; and
- Scott Beal, Domtar Industries, Baileyville.
Abstaining were
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: The Washington County Task Force has 23 members, all appointed by Gov. Baldacci. Around one-half or more regularly skip these meetings. That should tell the public something about "representation" of Washington County and the validity of this committee.]
Supreme Court appoints special master in LNG dispute — New York Newsday, New York, NY
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday granted a request by Delaware to appoint a special master in a border dispute case with New Jersey.
The dispute involves New Jersey's effort to help energy giant BP build a liquefied natural gas plant on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River.
The high court appointed attorney Ralph Lancaster Jr. of Portland, Maine, as special master in the case, granting him broad authority to summon witnesses, issue subpoenas and gather any evidence he deems necessary.
Guard won’t set LNG zones — Herald News, Fall River, MA
In late December, the Coast Guard denied the city’s request that it establish thermal radiation and vapor dispersion exclusion zones for marine spills of LNG similar to already established zones for LNG spills on land.
"We feel this approach should be applied for shipments of LNG and that exclusion zone regulations would be too restrictive, especially when applied nationwide."
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Either the Coast Guard doesn't know about state-of-the-art offshore LNG receiving facilities — that are far less restrictive and present no hazard to land-based populations — or it is simply rubber stamping old and unsafe LNG terminal siting.]
Staff Edit: The dangers of LNG [Opinion] — Daily Free Press, Boston University, Boston, ME
Low-income communities tend to suffer disproportionately when it comes to dangerous facilities being placed in their backyards. All viable options should be considered before a decision is reached; otherwise, our most powerless communities will be faced with an unjust and very dangerous burden.
Dan Walters: Power play looms over bringing in liquefied natural gas [Opinion column] — Sacramento Bee, Sacramento, CA
The last time the [California] Capitol attempted to make such a momentous energy decision was exactly a decade ago, when the Legislature unanimously passed a misnamed "deregulation" bill for electric power that turned out to be a financial disaster. One hopes today's politicians do a much better job of it.
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Don't shroud Broadwater plan [Opinion] — Hartford Courant, Hartford, CT
New York and Connecticut residents have a right to know whether a huge, floating liquefied natural gas terminal proposed for Long Island Sound would put their health or safety at risk. They should be able to find out if it would be able to withstand a hurricane, a powerful tidal surge - even a tanker collision or an attack.
Having officials for Broadwater and the federal government saying, essentially, "trust us," just isn't good enough.
LNG the easy way [Opinion] — Press Telegram, Long Beach, CA
Australia's biggest oil company has a simple answer to Long Beach's anguish over the merits of a controversial proposal to build a terminal to receive liquefied natural gas (LNG). Unload it offshore.
No, don't put the terminal offshore, which would be almost as controversial as putting it in a populated area. Just unload the LNG offshore.
No relief from high natural gas prices, tight supplies expected soon — MyWestTexas.com, TX
New supplies of natural gas, he said, will come from unconventional resources in the Lower 48 states, where unconventional reserves are the fastest-growing source of natural gas and producers are expanding into new areas, seeking natural gas.
Of those unconventional sources, he said, 80 percent will be tight sands, 10 percent gas shales and 10 percent coalbed methane. Much of those unconventional reserves are found in the Rocky Mountains, [Steve Taylor, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Natural Gas Services Group Inc.] added.
"The Rocky Mountains will be a primary source of natural gas going forward," Taylor stated, with the Southwest and Northeast other sources of unconventional gas.
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Nuclear plant owner fined $28 million: FirstEnergy admits workers covered up serious damage to facility — msnbc.com
Company and Nuclear Regulatory Commission investigations concluded that the rust hole had been growing for at least four years and that Davis-Besse's managers had ignored the evidence because they were focused on profits rather than safety at the plant, which sits along the Lake Erie shore about 30 miles east of Toledo. [Bold & red emphasis added.]
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: This incident shoots holes through FERC's frequent argument that energy facility operators don't want accidents, so they'll operate their facilities safely! What could be worse than a nuclear accident?
Even though the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) isn't the FERC, NRC's standards should certainly be at least as rigid and demanding as FERC's, and are probably more so.
Both this incident and BP's 2005 fatal — possibly criminal — Texas oil refinery explosion are indicative of ever-present temptation in the minds of energy companies: more profit at the expense of safety.
Such realities are sufficient reason to distrust the "word" of FERC and LNG terminal operators when they say that placing LNG facilities on the public's doorstep is "safe," and nothing to worry about.
Further, it justifies using state-of-the-art technology, locating LNG terminals several miles offshore.]
LNG dependence risky [Op-ed column] — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
Increasing reliance on LNG is likely to weaken our energy security, as well as undermine the drive to reduce our nation's dependence on imported fuel. LNG represents yet another foreign energy source that must be imported from overseas producers that are looking for ways to tighten the chokehold they have on the U.S. economy.
These countries have the world's largest gas reserves, and they're looking for ways to establish a global gas cartel patterned after OPEC, so they can use the LNG market to control the world supply and price.
LNG dependence might not be the worst security risk the United States faces, but it could become extremely serious. The latest evidence of the growing threat was Russia's ham-handed cut-off of gas supplies to neighboring Ukraine. Because it had repercussions across Europe, the shutdown of natural gas lines was an eye-opener for France, Germany and other countries that had long taken Russian gas for granted and suddenly found themselves unprepared for a crisis that threatened their economies.
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Although the op-ed column's author indicated that there are four LNG import terminals operating in the US, there are actually five. The latest LNG terminal to go online is an offshore terminal in the Gulf of Mexico, 116 miles off the coast of Louisiana.
While the column author is correct about the risk of relying on imported LNG, he advocates relying in part on nuclear energy, which comes with other inherent safety security problems, including the to-date unresolved and enormously expensive problem of disposing of the spent fuel rods.]
Bayport land use issues — Galveston Bay Conservation and Preservation Association, Galveston, TX
Heavy industrial uses, considered in terms of commonly accepted planning and land use standards, are incompatible with most other land uses, particularly residential, institutional (schools), and park, recreational and open space uses. In most municipalities, substantial buffers are required between even light industrial and residential uses, and heavy industry is not allowed in any reasonable proximity to residential uses. This is a national standard, promulgated by the American Planning Association and established in land use regulations and comprehensive plans throughout the nation. [Bold & red emphasis added.] (1999 Sep 15)
Memo part of LNG testimony — Galveston County Daily News, Galveston, TX
Among the items of contention in the two days of testimony in the open-meetings case concerning a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal in Galveston was a document former wharves board member Rusty Legg tried to distribute to city council members.
Ruling on LNG lawsuit at least a month away — Galveston County Daily News, Galveston, TX
The suit hinges on whether Ellisor finds that the wharves board negotiated in secret with BP for a lease agreement in violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act.
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Pipeline expansion would accommodate Canadian gas — VillageSoup Citizen, Belfast, ME
Despite a reduction in Sable Island gas production, the M&N pipeline is operating near capacity. The expansion is needed to accommodate the new sources of gas from LNG facilities in the Maritimes, according to Hanley. [Bold emphasis added.] (Jan 19)
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: As this article attests, there is no room now or in the planned pipeline expansion for any of the three proposed Passamaquoddy Bay LNG projects' gas. Even if there were room, it's likely that there will be no customers for these three projects.
According to Dean Girdis' public statement at his recent Robbinston presentation, his investors believe that they have only a 30% chance of getting their project completed, and he said that even then they may end up with no customers. Quoddy Bay LLC and Downeast LNG in-the-field developers (the Smiths, Girdis, and Wyatt) may simply be taking advantage of their own large salaries, paid by investors who think success has poor odds, while they work on projects that have already lost the race.]
Pilot says passage okay but he's not in favor of LNG — WQDY-FM, Calais, ME
A story in Tuesday's Saint Croix Courier newspaper says a veteran harbor pilot said he is not in favor of the building of the building of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Mill Cove, near Robbinston, ME, despite the fact that his name appeared on a letter to Downeast LNG supporting the project.
"I don't support any LNG terminal anywhere," said Graham Savage, who has guided ships into area ports for the last 15 years.
Differences at St. Andrews debate — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
The subject of LNG came up several times during the debate, although not in a specific question. Smith said LNG tankers will not be going through Head Harbour Passage. He said the Liberal government has commissioned extensive studies and they will say no to the LNG developments once those studies are completed.
Millett said the Green party is not just opposed to the proposed LNG development in Passamaquoddy Bay but to all LNG, including the one in Saint John.
[Greg Thompson said,] "We've stated our position very carefully and it's predicated on the best advice that we could get from all jurisdictions in terms of what our position would be and it would be no to LNG. I stake my parliamentary career and reputation on that. We will say no and, if we get elected, they will not go in Passamaquoddy Bay."
Regulators approve Mass. town LNG terminal — Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia, PA
Federal regulators said Thursday they won't reconsider their approval of a liquefied natural gas import terminal in the heart of Fall River, Mass., though city and state officials say it would pose a safety risk.
Opponents of the facility said they would ask a federal court to block the project, the focus of one of the most contentious debates over LNG development in the country.
State and local officials in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have strongly opposed both projects, which are about 18 miles apart on separate sections of Narragansett Bay. (Jan 19)
US panel reiterates approval of LNG facility: Fall River mayor vows a lawsuit to block project — Boston Globe, Boston, MA
As demand for natural gas skyrockets, four LNG proposals have surfaced in Massachusetts in recent years. The Fall River proposal has generated the greatest controversy so far because it is the only one to have received FERC approval and it is proposed in a densely packed city.
FERC voted 2-1 yesterday to reiterate its original July approval, saying the project met a stringent set of safety standards.
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Although FERC's approval of the Fall River project makes LNG terminals in Passamaquoddy Bay less likely, the FERC's willingness to place a terminal within one mile of where 9,000 people live or work demonstrates the FERC's lack of regard for human life in favor of big business. One bright spot shines on the FERC Commission, however, and that is Commissioner Suedeen G. Kelly, who voted against approval of the Fall River project.]
Foes fired up over LNG ruling — Boston Herald, Boston, MA
The Conservation Law Foundation yesterday vowed to appeal a federal agency’s approval of a plan to build a controversial LNG terminal in Fall River.
The conservation foundation will now move the issue from the regulatory arena to the legal arena by filing an appeal with the federal appellate court, said [Sue Reid, a staff attorney at the Conservation Law Foundation], whose group has a track record of winning high-profile lawsuits, such as the landmark case forcing cleanup of Boston Harbor.
Taking the wind out of LNG's sails [Op-ed] — Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia, PA
We find it is difficult to imagine a worse location for an LNG terminal than Port Richmond. We also find it hard to imagine a worse route for tankers loaded with LNG than to have them passing the densely populated residential neighborhoods of South Philadelphia, Whitman, Pennsport, Queen Village, Society Hill, Old City, Northern Liberties and Fishtown (as well as communities in New Jersey).
Despite an estimated economic benefit of as much as $500 million, we cannot and will not put a price tag on the lives and livelihoods of our constituents. [Bold emphasis added.]
Mayor would like 'longer look' on LNG site — Galveston County Daily News, Galveston, TX
In a case about whether the public had enough information about such a huge project, Thomas testified that even city leaders did not.
“I don’t like the word ‘deceived,’” she said. “I don’t think I was deceived. I don’t think I had all the information that I now have.”
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Here's more justification for the Whole Bay Study. Elected officials and voters shouldn't be asked to approve LNG projects until all the ramifications — positive and negative — are known.]
Forum discusses LNG terminal — Baltimore Sun, Baltimore, MD [Free registration required]
The Arlington-Va. based company set up displays around the college cafeteria meeting site, intending that people walk around cocktail-party style and talk with project planners. But the people demanded that company officials answer questions in an open forum for all to hear.
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FERC affirms its approval of Weaver's Cove LNG; Stands by its rejection of Keyspan LNG in Providence [News release] — FERC
The Commission denied petitions for rehearing filed jointly by the City of Fall River, the Rhode Island Attorney General, and the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board. In addition, the Commission denied separate petitions for rehearing filed by the Conservation Law Foundation and Mr. Michael L. Miozza.
The Commission rejected pleadings styled as amicus briefs filed by the City of Newport and the Towns of Bristol, Tiverton, Middletown and Portsmouth and Jamestown, Rhode Island in opposition to the Commission’s July 15 ruling. The Commission said none of the towns sought intervener status and therefore have no standing in the proceedings before FERC. The Commission noted FERC regulations and the Natural Gas Act restrict requests for rehearing of agency actions only to interveners. [Bold emphasis added.]
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: The FERC's Fall River decision makes it very clear that opinions of affected communities opposing LNG terminal siting carry no weight in FERC's approval process.]
Connecticut Officials Call for FERC to Disclose Broadwater Plans — Shore Publishing, Madison, CT
“We were a little surprised to see that this was an issue. All that [Blumenthal] has to do is apply to the federal government for the information and I am sure that he is aware of that,” said [John Hritchco, vice-president at Broadwater].
Suffolk County of New York, which is opposing the project, applied to FERC to for the information on [2005] Dec. 8. The county has yet to receive the information.
Woodside Plans to Skirt Californian LNG Concern With New Ships — Bloomberg.com
Woodside Petroleum Ltd. said it plans to skirt concern among Californians about the safety of liquefied natural gas import terminals by delivering the fuel directly into pipelines from ships moored offshore.
Woodside said its ships will anchor about 15 miles off the coast of Southern California and deliver the gas through undersea pipelines. The absence of an onshore processing plant will avoid the need for storage, said Jane Cutler, president of the company's Woodside Natural Gas unit. [Bold emphasis added.]
LNG SPECIAL REPORT - No 4 — PembrokeshireTV.com, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK
The Petroplus ES ... did not consider the impacts of a possible gas fired power station ... the high pressure gas pipeline ... LNG shipping ... on other users of the haven or on those living in towns along the edge of the waterway.
... LNG when spilled forms dense, heavier than air flammable vapour or gas clouds. Readers will know that this is universally accepted, established science.
According to the [incorrect] ES, spilled "LNG would vaporise and disperse. Natural gas is a buoyant gas, which disperses rapidly in the atmosphere, unlike LPG, which forms a dense heavier than air gas." [Bold & red emphasis added.]
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: If any of the above seems familiar, it's because members of the LNG industry in general seem to be of the same ilk — they don't want communities to know the full effects of their projects.]
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LNG and port security [Letter to the editor] — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
What will a possible 280 supertankers a year do to our bay (180 at Split Rock, 50 at Robbinston and 50 more at Red Beach)? If we allow this to happen, we will be shutting down the whole bay to all boating including those who make a living on the water.
Council ponders negative LNG report — PembrokeshireTV.com, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK
The rose-tinted image of a 21st Century Pembrokeshire grown rich on the energy industry has been dealt a savage blow after it emerged that the largest single impact made by the two Liquefied Natural Gas terminals has been negative.
The report [also] states that between May and October last year, Dyfed Powys Police officers were called in to investigate approximately 30 criminal incidents involving LNG employees ranging from allegations of theft to rape. [Bold & red emphasis added.]
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: As Pembrokeshire has found out, LNG has brought unanticipated problems with housing, forcing young workers out of the area, forced out medical service providers, and increased infrastructure expense, and crime. This is a perfect example of why Downeast LNG and the other LNG developers don't want the public to know what they'll be faced with should an LNG terminal ever exists in Passamaquoddy Bay. ]
State Misses Chance To Air Its Concerns On LNG Plan — Day, New London, CT
Lanes and security zones established for LNG tankers that would supply the terminal may pass through Connecticut waters, which could trigger a review of compliance with its coastal laws.
Downeast LNG offers town $3.6 million annual package — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
Downeast LNG principals Dean Girdis and Rob Wyatt presented a $3.6 million annual package that would accompany the construction and operation of the proposed terminal and storage facility. (Jan 13)
Pilots support Downeast LNG proposal — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
The support was in the form of a letter dated December 19, 2005, to Wyatt stating, "After an extensive preliminary review, we can support the safe transit of LNG vessels to your proposed site, via Head Harbour Passage, Western Passage and Passamaquoddy Bay." (Jan 13)
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: The problem is, though, that the pilots organization didn't actually support the building of the LNG terminals. In fact, the Saint Croix Courier reported that at least one pilot opposes all three of the Passamaquoddy Bay LNG projects. Once again, Downeast LNG and Quoddy Bay LLC seem like non-ethical birds-of-a-feather.]
Judge rules against newspapers in suit for open LNG meetings — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
Justice Humphrey concluded that the meetings of the tribal council regarding the reservation's negotiations to lease its land to Quoddy Bay LLC for an LNG facility "are the actions of a business corporation, not a municipality, and thus, are not public proceedings open to plaintiffs or to the general public within the meaning of Maine's Freedom of Access Act." (Jan 13)
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: A government isn't a government. Now, that's jurisprudence.]
LNG company purchases Perry properties — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
...Quoddy Bay LLC has a sales agreement to purchase the former Lobster Crate restaurant from owners Shaun and Melissa Small. (Jan 13)
Selectmen await advice on PIA proposal — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
During the January 9 selectmen's meeting, Chairman John Spinney told Turner, "We are taking advice from MMA [Maine Municipal Association]. They referred us to our local lawyer, our town lawyer John Foster, and everything is still up in the air." (Jan 13)
FERC holds pipeline expansion meetings — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is holding scoping meetings in Maine to gather information concerning the proposal by Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline LLC to expand its natural gas pipeline system to provide additional natural gas supplies and enhanced reliability to customers in the northeastern United States, where energy demand continues to increase. The expansion project is known as the Maritimes Phase IV Project. (Jan 13)
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline is expanding to accommodate the upcoming supply from Canada. There will be no space in the expanded pipeline for any of the three Quoddy-area LNG projects.]
Quoddy Bay's request approved by FERC — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
Quoddy Bay LLC, the company developing the $500 million Quoddy Bay LNG project on the Pleasant Point Reservation of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, on January 11 received notice from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that the agency has approved the company's pre-filing request. (Jan 13)
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Although accepted, there's still a strong possibility that the FERC will then reject the pre-filing. The FERC still hasn't ruled on our request to reject the pre-application, due to the lawsuit against the Bureau of Indian Affairs that would, effectively, negate the lease agreement that Quoddy Bay LLC needs from the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Tribal Government.]
Robbinston votes nearly 3 to 1 for LNG — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
Sue Crawford, also a member of alliance, says, "The vote was suggestive but not definitive. It is a shame the voters did not wait for the Whole Bay Study. My question is, "What's the hurry?" (Jan 13)
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: The hurry was so that the voters wouldn't learn the full negative impacts of the Downeast LNG project. The residents of Pembrokeshire, Wales, now are beginning to realize their mistake in allowing LNG into their community.]
Woodside proposes tanker-based LNG terminal offshore California — Platts [Free registration required]
UPDATE 2-Woodside Pete plans to deliver LNG to California — Reuters
The Australian oil and gas producer said it plans to deliver the LNG via tankers to a site at least 15 miles offshore Southern California, where it would be turned back to gas aboard the tankers and then delivered to shore through a pipeline on the seabed.
Tankers arriving offshore Southern California would dock at a submerged buoy connected to a flexible pipe that would deliver gas to the seabed pipeline. The line would connect to the onshore pipeline system carrying gas to customers.
While the company would not put a price tag on the facilities, officials said the cost of building new tankers with onboard regasifiction technology and building the pipeline would likely approach the cost of a typical onshore project.
A similar project by BHP Billiton, the Cabrillo project, involves an LNG regasification platform some 14 miles offshore Oxnard, California, and is farther along in the state and federal permitting project. [Bold & red emphasis added.]
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Offshore terminal siting and regasification costs no more to build than onshore facilities, and is the only type of siting that makes good safety sense.]
Port "can’t abandon Calpine lease" — Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR
The U.S. bankruptcy code states that any provision that allows for the termination of a lease because of bankruptcy is unenforceable, Reynolds said. In addition, filing for bankruptcy protects the company from most legal actions, she said; parties that try to take legal actions against the company while it's protected by this "automatic stay" could face contempt sanctions and punitive costs.
Coast Guard says Broadwater LNG project needs more proof of safety — New York Newsday
The Coast Guard has told the company that wants to build a controversial liquefied natural gas terminal in Long Island Sound that it has not supplied adequate information to prove the project is safe.
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Pilot unhappy with pro-LNG letter — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
Drama at debate — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
Firm Says Process for Shipping Gas Is Safer — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, CA
[Michael R. Peevey, president of the California Public Utilities Commission] added that offshore facilities — the kind proposed by Woodside, BHP Billiton and a third company, Crystal Energy — would seem safer than placing an onshore facility in a populated area. "If you're going to site an LNG terminal, it seems to me it's vastly preferable to have them offshore rather than sited in a very busy harbor," Peevey said.
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Offshore LNG terminal siting is the only method that makes public-safety sense, although other issues such as fishing and environment remain.]
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New England faces shifting energy game — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
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Self-reliance and resourcefulness are New England hallmarks. Ingenuity and technological prowess are its trademarks. With a pioneering spirit, its six states working closely together, New England could lead America's indispensable energy revolution.
The harsh fact is that New England's reliance on fossil fuels — whether from nearby Canada or such places as politically turbulent Venezuela and terrorist-supply-threatened Saudi-Arabia — costs billions of dollars that could be recirculating, creating new companies and new jobs to bolster the region's perilously slow-growth economy. The lost opportunity is immense.
Offshore LNG project impacts on Marine Life assessed to be minimal — OilOnline
The actual impact of offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects on marine life in the Gulf of Mexico will be substantially less than originally identified by environmental analyses, according to findings released today by The Center for Liquefied Natural Gas (CLNG) from an independent ecological review of the analyses.
CLNG commissioned Exponent, Inc., to undertake an independent evaluation of the technical work that has been done to date in assessing environmental impacts from use of seawater in open loop vaporization (OLV) systems proposed in LNG terminals in the Gulf. The primary environmental question associated with the use of OLV technology is the potential for impact on fish eggs and larvae into seawater intakes.
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Open loop vaporization is inherently harmful, since anything in the water that goes through it will be killed. The Center for Liqified Natural Gas is merely attempting to "sell" that harmful technology, at the expense of the existing fishery, sport fishing, and ecology, in order to make more money for the LNG industry.]
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Propaganda told as fact [Letter to the editor] — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
Webster's dictionary defines the word propaganda as "... ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to damage an opposing cause." Nancy Asante clearly creates her own propaganda which she redistributes as fact.
Cary Weston
President
Sutherland Weston Marketing Communications
Quoddy Bay, LLC
Public Relations
Agency of Record
[NOTE: As typical with Bangor Daily News letters to the editor, the online page contains no link to take you directly to a particular letter. To find the letter using the above link, search the page for "Propaganda told as fact".]
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Webster's online dictionary also defines "propaganda" as...
"Information that is spread for the purpose of promoting some cause."
It's a humorous irony that — in his condemnation of propaganda — Cary Weston, makes his living by creating and disseminating propaganda. It seems that Cary Weston has a strong disdain for his own industry, making it all the better that he represents Quoddy Bay LLC.]
Official says we need more LNG — Boston Herald, Boston, MA
... Fall River Mayor Edward Lambert, a harsh critic of FERC’s decision to allow a new LNG facility in the city, said safety was clearly not FERC’s top priority when it approved an LNG facility in his hardscrabble city. The overriding issue was about natural-gas supplies — not the safety of nearby residential neighborhoods, he said.
Recent federal government studies have shown that an explosion of a large LNG tanker — whether caused by accident or caused by terrorist attacks — could devastate nearby areas via intense thermal heat.
Lawsuit over LNG terminal back in court — Galveston County Daily News, Galveston, TX
The suit contends the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees and members of the Galveston City Council violated open meetings laws as the board secured a 35-year lease agreement with BP to locate the LNG terminal on Pelican Island and the council approved a pact to honor the BP agreement should the wharves board dissolve.
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Leave it to BP, the company with a lousey corporate safety culture, and a partner in Dominion Cove Point — Downeast LNG's "model" LNG facility — to be a party to secret meetings with city officials.]
Codey hands over LNG fight — NJ.com, NJ
A Corzine spokesman confirmed the incoming Democrat plans to continue fighting Delaware. That state contends a border drawn by William Penn runs through the middle of the river's shipping channel, giving its Department of Natural Resources and Environment Council power to regulate the dock. Under the charter, Delaware owns up to the low water line on the New Jersey bank of the river within 12 miles of the New Castle courthouse.
Gas Terminal Could Leave Us Vulnerable [Commentary] — Hartford Courant, Hartford, CT
[R]emember the caution from the 9/11 Commission that the major problem on 9/11 was a "failing of imagination." We must do far better to imagine other scenarios and the consequences in lives and economic losses that could accompany increased dependence on LNG.
They must ask the tough questions, and not suffer the same failures of imagination that brought us Pearl Harbor and Sept. 11.
Joel Gordes , a former Air Force officer and former state legislator, is an consultant on energy issues including those involving energy security. (Jan 15)
Speedboat attack on Nigeria rig — BBC News, UK
An unknown number of attackers, as well as soldiers defending the platform, were killed, a military official said.
In response, Shell has started withdrawing personnel from the facility and from neighbouring flow stations.
Natural gas treads a global path in Maryland — MyWestTexas.com
"By setting our future policy, basing it on LNG, then we will be subject to the same forces that we're now subject to in oil supply - in other words, foreign disruptions, political events, growth of the energy sector in Asia," said Rep. Don Sherwood, R-Pa., at a congressional hearing last month. (Jan 15)
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Quoddy Bay LLC's PR firm falsely accuses Save Passamaquoddy Bay webmaster of misinformation: Sutherland Weston errs for client — Save Passamaquoddy Bay, Eastport, ME
At noon on July 14, Cary Weston of Sutherland Weston fired the first shot by email at Save Passamaquoddy Bay webmaster Robert Godfrey, accusing him of "distributing information without fact."
LNG terminals worry fishermen — Ellsworth American, Ellsworth, ME
At a meeting between members of the Cobscook Bay Fishermen’s Association and representatives of Downeast LNG, lobstermen who fish the Western Passage that runs between Deer Island on the east and Eastport and the Perry shore on the west, said they lose as much as 30 percent of their gear to shipping bound for the Bayside terminal and to aquaculture barges that transit the area.
Most lobstermen in the area fish the Western Passage right out to the international boundary that runs down the center during a season that runs from May through December. The area also sees considerable scallop and urchin fishing beginning in September and extending through the spring.
Developer lauds approval of LNG plan — Portland Press-Herald, Portland, ME
The developer who has proposed a liquefied natural gas facility in this eastern Maine town said Wednesday that he is pleased that residents have given their approval to his plan(Jan 12)
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Downeast LNG is proud that they've snookered the community before the Whole Bay Study is completed and may show that the LNG project will not be such a good idea.]
Pilotage Commission announces hearing — Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME
There will also be a presentation on moving tankers through Passamaquoddy Bay. (Jan 11)
FERC to hear appeals Thursday — Herald News, Fall River, MA
Besides Fall River, the Conservation Law Foundation and the Navy filed rehearing requests because of concerns about the project.
"We’ve asked for a (hearing) so that we can present testimony and cross-examine witnesses," said Mayor Edward M. Lambert Jr., who plans to attend the meeting. "So we won’t be satisfied if FERC says, ‘We (decided) it and you lose.’"
Power company proposes LNG terminal at Sparrows Point — WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA [Free registration required]
A global energy company is planning to build a $400 million liquefied natural gas terminal on the site of the former Sparrows Point shipyard in Baltimore County.
Officials at AES Corp., based in Arlington, Va., said the project is still in the preliminary discussion phase. It would include a marine terminal, storage tanks and an 85-mile pipeline that would connect to an existing natural gas distribution center in suburban Philadelphia.
Weaver's Cove gets last-place ranking as facility for LNG — Providence Journal, Providence, RI
Fall River Mayor Edward M. Lambert Jr., a staunch opponent of the proposal for Weaver's Cove, said the Downeast LNG assessment should be taken with a grain of salt because it comes from a competitor that was focusing on Maine sites.
From the standpoint of local consumers, Weaver's Cove is a much better site than the ranking would suggest because having a natural gas source there avoids expensive transportation charges from terminals in Maine and beyond, [Weaver's Cove Energy spokesman James Grasso] said. (Jan 12)
Blumenthal challenges LNG project — Day, New London, CT [Paid subscription required]
"Secrecy will not disarm terrorists," Blumenthal said. "It will only disadvantage the public. It will not guarantee safety and security. It will disable efforts to accurately and accountably evaluate the risks. Secrecy spawns distrust. Concealment signals danger." (Jan 12)
Blumenthal demands documents regulators say are already public — New York Newsday
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal demanded the release of engineering documents for a proposed Long Island Sound fuel terminal Wednesday, though federal regulators said the records are already available to anyone who asks for them. (Jan 11)
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Machias forum to focus on coastal access issues — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
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A sea kayaking guide from Robbinston, the director of an international port in Eastport, the executive director of a land trust in Whiting, a fisherman from Cutler and a real estate broker in Jonesport all represent different professional interests along the waterfront Down East.
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: See our January Calendar page for more information about this event.]
Map raises terrorism concerns — Herald News, Fall River, MA
Until she recently spoke with a Hess LNG official, Cecile Scofield wasn’t worried about terrorism associated with the company’s planned liquefied natural gas facility. She is now.
CG Seeking New Security Report On LNG Plan — Day, New London, CT
In a Dec. 21 letter to Broadwater, Coast Guard Capt. Peter Boynton indicated that the report was seriously flawed. It provides unusable information, Boynton said, because it is based on LNG terminals with smaller tanks, supplied by smaller vessels with different inner and outer hull designs from what Broadwater is proposing.
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: This is a lot like Downeast LNG's pre-application filing with FERC on 2006 Jan 5. FERC sent them a letter on 2006 Jan 12 indicating that Downeast LNG hadn't complied with the requirements for pre-filing. Was Downeast LNG merely trying to keep pace with Quoddy Bay LLC's un-businesslike work*, or was it just ego? You may recall Rob Wyatt bragging to the world that he's actually done this permitting stuff before. The Downeast LNG pre-filing request certainly doesn't reflect LNG permitting experience.]
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Quoddy Bay LLC hasn't secured unfettered access to the land that they require for their project. |
FERC Approves Quoddy Bay, LLC’s Pre-Filing Request — Magic City Morning Star, Millinocket, ME
“After thorough review of our application, FERC has entered us into the structure, transparent federal permitting process,” said Quoddy Bay, LLC Project Manager Brian Smith. (Jan 11)
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: What Smith calls a "thorough review" of their application isn't quite "thorough." The FERC has yet to consider Save Passamaquoddy Bay's request to deny Quoddy Bay LLC's pre-filing. Our request is based on the Nulankeyutomonen Nkihtahkomikumon lawsuit against the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Department of the Interior. The BIA didn't perform its statutory trust obligations when it "approved" the lease agreement between the Sipayik Tribal Government and Quoddy Bay LLC. The lawsuit requests that the BIA perform it's statutory duties, and that the court invalidate the lease.]
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U.S. Coast Guard wants Canadian input on LNG plan — CBC New Brunswick
The United States Coast Guard wants to hear the views of Canadians on the passage of liquified natural gas tankers through the waters of Passamaquoddy Bay.
The coast guard is looking at safety and security issues associated with LNG terminals planned for the Maine coastline opposite St Andrews and the Fundy Islands.
Opponents of the LNG terminals are happy the coast guard wants to hear their views. St. Andrews resident Art McKay says some New Brunswickers have already sent briefs to the coast guard. His group, Save Passamaquoddy Bay, will soon do the same.
Robbinston votes in favor of LNG terminal in town — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
Asked if he was satisfied with the vote, developer Dean Girdis of Downeast LNG said "it's not necessarily a question of being satisfied, it's a question of the community expressed their opinion."
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: In Girdis' own words, "It's a community's right to express themselves ... an opinion today is not an opinion tomorrow....," (Dean Girdis, 2005 Dec 28). And, Robbinston voters have "[drawn] conclusions when the project hasn't been fully defined and not all of the information is available to make an objective decision," (Dean Girdis, 2005 Aug 24).]
Robbinston referendum: voters favor LNG in their town — WQDY-FM, Calais, ME
"[A]s far as I'm concerned, the vote reflects the fact that the majority of the voters were not interested in knowing the results of the comprehensive impact study of Passamaquoddy Bay and surrounding areas."
Berry continued, "the vote also shows that the residents have not been truly informed of the consequences and changes an LNG complex will impose on the town of Robbinston, period."
"...we'll just have to move on to the next phase. It's not a done deal yet," he said.
Robbinston voters give overwhelming support to Downeast LNG project [Downeast LNG News release via Pierce Atwood Consulting] — MaineToday.com
The company also has been conducting technical, environmental and economic studies in support of the more than 50 permits that will be required before the project can proceed.
“We have been completely open and honest about our plans,” said Girdis.
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Girdis and company — using ignorance, grandiose promises, and statements about how "open and honest" they are as their strategy — wanted the voters of Robbinston to vote before the comprehensive effects of their project on the area is known.]
Three LNG projects proposed for Passamaquoddy Bay — Fishermen's Voice, Gouldsboro, ME
The project laid out in the pre-application filing, she said, is “totally different” from the original one at Gleason’s Cove that Quoddy Bay LLC had been describing to the public. (2006 Jan)
MMA's Tyler to head international association — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
The anticipated shortage of qualified officers and crew for LNG tankers will be one of the key issues that Leonard H. Tyler, president of Maine Maritime Academy, will deal with as he takes over as chairman of the International Association of Maritime Universities.
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Council calls on PM to stop tankers — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
Slick LNG propaganda [Letter to the editor] — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, NE
Girdis now says that if the Robbinston vote goes against him, he'll continue his efforts to educate voters there. [NOTE: As typical with Bangor Daily News letters to the editor, the online page contains no link to take you directly to a particular letter. To find the letter using the above link, search the page for "Slick LNG propaganda".]
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Girdis needs remedial education in environment, international politics, and sociology. His project is a non-starter.]
The candidates from New Brunswick Southwest debate the issues [Including LNG] — CBC Information Morning, Saint John, NB
Candidates include discussion of LNG projects in Passamaquoddy Bay. (RealPlayer sound file, runs 17:46)
Mixed views aired in forum on gas pipeline — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
The company proposing the project, Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, said expansion is needed to meet increasing demand for natural gas in Canada and the northeastern U.S. as well as to improve reliability and efficiency.
Kelley Woodward of Bucksport said workers [during the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline's previous project] used her property as a bathroom for weeks because the company did not provide portable toilets, were caught drinking alcohol on the job, and routinely strayed from their prescribed areas.
LNG special report - day three — PembrokeshireTV.com, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK
Rumours abounded of riches and jobs galore: There would be power stations and industry would flood into the economically depressed area. Best of all, Milford Haven would be doing its bit for Wales. The cheap gas supply would see Welsh industry stealing a march on the rest of the UK.
Local MP's and Welsh Assembly ministers fell over each other to welcome the projects. County councillors and authority officers were delighted. At last here was the perfect solution to all of Pembrokeshire's problems.
Three years on a different, more complex picture has emerged.
Many of the promised jobs have gone to cheap foreign labour and specialists from outside Pembrokeshire. Locals have been evicted from their homes to migrant workers and safety concerns have grown ever louder. [Bold and red emphasis added.]
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Sound familiar? One might believe that Dean Girdis & Don Smith were the developers at Milford Haven!]
Hess LNG: More gas needed to avoid blackouts — Herald News, Fall River, MA
Hess LNG’s proposed Fall River liquefied natural gas facility would help prevent a natural gas shortage such as the one that could develop this winter during periods of high demand and cause blackouts, said James Grasso, a spokesman for the Hess LNG project.
But ISO New England spokesman Ken McDonnell said blackouts "are a last resort" and unlikely.
"It would affect small numbers of customers for short periods of time -- 15 minutes to two hours at the most," McDonnell said. "And it’s also important to note the decision on which customers would be affected by a blackout rests solely with the local electric utility."
This is not about what we need. It’s about where we put it," Lambert said. "And there is no reason to jeopardize the lives of Americans in pursuit of greater energy resources when there are alternatives. This is about profit for (Hess LNG). They simply want it in the most advantageous location for them."
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Since Hess is being frustrated by their inability to access the site (due to the Brightman Street Bridge blocking the route) that FERC approved, it is predictable that they'd forecast a gas shortage in order to enlist more support for their project.]
Running out of time to buy LNG — Australian, Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia
"At current prices ... you could sail an LNG cargo twice around the world and still make a profit," Mr Macfarlane said.
Sempra gains US FERC nod to start Cameron LNG expansion process — Platts [Free registration required]
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Renewable Energy Law Passed for Prince Edward Island — Renewable Energy Access, Peterborough, NH
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"Islanders have told us they want Government to pursue cleaner sources of energy that can be produced right here in Prince Edward Island, reducing our reliance on imported energy and giving PEI some control over our own energy future," said Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem.
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Ocean Energy Report for 2005 — Renewable Energy Access, Peterborough, NH
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Existing regulatory hurdles further complicate matters. Despite FERC's efforts, developers still face several years and millions of dollars in costs to license their small and generally benign projects. Most existing regulation was developed for large utility owned hydro plants, with little thought to cost because utilities can simply pass licensing costs on to ratepayers. Moreover, small tidal or ocean projects simply do not have the same impacts as large hydro plants, with impoundments and reservoirs, which can change the environmental composition of a river basin. And even if ocean energy projects turn out to have unanticipated effects, they are small and portable and can be easily removed. (Jan 9)
LNG carrier to become storage, regas unit — Oil & Gas Journal, Houston, TX
Golar LNG Ltd., Hamilton, Bermuda, has awarded a $90 million (Sing.) contract to Keppel Shipyard Ltd., Singapore, to convert an existing LNG carrier into a floating LNG storage and regasification unit (FSRU), a first conversion of this type, Golar said. (Jan 9)
Liquefied Natural Gas Market Spawns a Glut in Ships Built to Carry the Fuel — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, CA
[F]or many shipowners, natural gas has not proved a worthwhile investment. Most want to charter their ships, which cost about $215 million each, for long periods to energy companies. But the rates on offer at present are uneconomic, they complain.
Shipowners that bought ships to exploit an anticipated short-term spot market in natural gas shipping have fared worse. Many speculatively built ships have been idle for the last year, and those with work often have operated at a loss. (Jan 9)
Lawmaker sees bill as the future of energy in Va. — Virginia-Pilot, Norfolk VA
Choosing new sites for a nuclear power plant, a wind farm and a liquid natural gas port.
[T]hose items are included in a draft Virginia Energy Bill , which state lawmakers will consider this year in Richmond amid mounting consumer concerns about high fuel prices and dependence on foreign oil. (Jan 9)
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Public forums set on gas pipeline — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
Although the new pipeline will accommodate LNG companies in Canada, no similar request has been made for pipeline space by three Washington County developers.
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: As previously mentioned, Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline personnel informed us that the pipeline expansion will be at capacity accommodating its Canadian suppliers. There will be no capacity available for any of the three proposed LNG terminals in Passamaquoddy Bay. In fact, Dean Girdis stated at his 2005 December Robbinston presentation that there may not even be a customer for Passamaquoddy Bay LNG projects.]
Will Sable still be able? — Chronicle-Herald, Halifax, NS
"In addition to ensuring an alternative source of energy for Nova Scotians, it will help lower transportation costs for our offshore developers by keeping the pipeline full," Energy Minister Cecil Clarke said in a news release Dec. 19.
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BP breaks pledge to watchdog — ThisIsMoney.co.uk, London, UK
Energy giant BP has broken a pledge to power regulator Ofgem to ship in gas supplies and keep the £500m Isle of Grain storage terminal at full capacity throughout the winter.
Some market experts suspect BP is not fully using its capacity at the terminal so that it can manipulate gas prices.
Ofgem is now awaiting the conclusions of an inquiry by European Commission competition authorities into the supply of gas to Britain.
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Surprise, surprise: The same company (BP) that has demonstrated a corporate culture of safety violations — and that is a partner in Downeast LNG's "darling," Dominion Cove Point LNG terminal in Maryland — has broken its supply promise to regulators in the UK and may be manipuliating gas prices. Girdis & Wyatt may actually believe that BP presents a model of good business! The people around Passamaquoddy Bay know better.]
DJ AUSTRALIA PRESS: US Working To Clear Australian LNG — TCMnet, Norwalk, CT
The U.S. government is working to clear the final barriers to the sale of billions of dollars worth of Australian liquefied natural gas to the U.S. by the end of the decade, the Australian newspaper reports Monday.
The politics of natural gas — Asia Times, Hong Kong
A global energy crisis is brewing as the economic powerhouses continue to consume more oil than they can possibly produce or import.
Last year, US President George W Bush said his country would encourage China and India to turn into more efficient users of oil. "It's in our economic interest and our national interest to help countries like India and China become more efficient users of oil. That would help take the pressure off global oil supply, take the pressure off prices here at home," he said.
But such diplomatic tones disappear when nations across the world fight over gas. (Jan 6)
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LNG special report - day two: How does LNG behave when spilled? — PembrokeshireTV.com, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK
Because LNG is natural gas reduced in volume by 600 times, the vapour cloud will fairly rapidly become 600 times bigger than the spilled LNG volume. But it doesn't stop growing there. Although the fog will by now be turning to a less opaque mist, the LNG vapour will continue to expand as it mixes with air.
The LNG vapour / air mix remains heavier than air because the air surrounding and mixing with the vapour has been cooled by the LNG. Once the vapour has mixed with air to form roughly one part methane to ten parts air mix, the cloud becomes flammable.
It is now when the cloud is at its largest that it is at its most dangerous. By now the volume of the cloud may be 6,000 times larger than the volume of LNG spilled and still growing. It is odourless, difficult to detect visually and is highly flammable.
[I]f the LNG vapour does catch fire it will start to burn. As it burns, the burning cloud will rapidly increase in volume by eight times in a kind of slow motion burning explosion. If the cloud has drifted someway from the spill, the flames will travel back through the cloud to the source and the boiling pool will also be set alight.
LNG burns at very high temperatures - roughly eight times the heat intensity of burning petrol or gasoline. The thermal radiation effects are felt at a great distance from the fire.
A recent report of a smaller LNG fire in Fernley, Nevada saw firemen in protective clothing retreating to about a mile from the fire. [Bold emphasis added.] (See related story, below.) (Jan 6)
Static electricity cause of tanker truck fire — Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno, NV
The cause of a tanker truck fire - filled with 10,000 gallons of natural methane gas - last Wednesday on the grounds near the Truck Inn complex appears to have been caused by static electricity.
Once the fire erupted, flames stretched 40 feet into the air and then fire officials decided to evacuate the area.
The flames from the Clean Energy tanker burned throughout Wednesday night, then it burned all day on Thursday and finally burned out at 2 a.m. Friday morning.
“Everything went well and we didn’t have a large explosion or incident,” said Lemke. He added at the District’s Main Street Fire Station, 14 engines and three tenders were waiting with assignments if there was an explosion. (2005 Sep 20)
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: The tanker contained a mere 10,000 gallons of natural gas (equivalent to a little more than 0.06 m3 of LNG). The leak, ignited by static electricity, created a 40-foot-high flame. Fire officials evacuated businesses in the area, and were worried about an explosion. The fire lasted for over 24 hours, unextinguished by firefighters.
Downeast LNG, Quoddy Bay LLC, Calais LNG, and the FERC don't want the public to be concerned that tankers containing from 50,000 – 250,000 m3 of LNG (13,208,605 – 66,043,025 gallons of LNG, which will vaporize into 7,925,163,000 – 39,625,815,000 — that's 7.9 BILLION to 39.6 BILLION — gallons of natural gas — or 792,516 to 3,962,581 times larger than the tanker truck in the above news article) would pass in close proximity to you* every other day without your permission or control. (NOTE: 1 cubic meter = 264.1721 US liquid gallons; Natural Gas Volume = 600 X the volume of LNG)]
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Assuming that you live, work, drive, or recreate within three miles of the tanker route or terminal. Three miles is the minimum distance away from LNG tankers and facilities in which no injuries would be sustained in case of a catastrophic LNG release and fire, according to testimony presented in 2005 before the California Public Utilities Commission by LNG safety expert Dr. Jerry Havens. |
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Judge rules open meetings not required for LNG project — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
Maine Superior Court Justice Thomas Humphrey ruled last week that the Pleasant Point Reservation acted as a business corporation, not a municipality, in negotiating a land lease with an Oklahoma firm. It therefore did not have to open its meetings about the proposed LNG facility to the press or the public.
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: The Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Tribal Government wasn't a "government," but was a "business"? Its meetings — meetings that were advertised to the Tribal population as "public" — "weren't open to the public"? Hopefully, the Quoddy Tides and the Bangor Daily News will rush this case to an appeal.]
Fishermen not allowed to tie up in the Port Of Saint John [due to security measures] — CBC Information Morning, Saint John, NB
Keith Rogers says security issues are reason for this action and thinks there is an alternative that could work. (RealPlayer sound file, runs 10:03)
U.S. Coast Guard to assess Passamaquoddy Bay for LNG tankers — Environment News Service, Washington, DC
The assessment comes in response to two proposals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) ports on the bay - one from Downeast LNG to build a new terminal at the small resort town of Robbinston, 12 miles south of the U.S.-Canada border, and the other from Quoddy Bay LLC for a terminal on the Passamaquoddy Tribe's reservation at Pleasant Point.
Downeast LNG pledges that, "No chemicals or other pollutants will be discharged into the St. Croix River or Passamaquoddy Bay. The plant will be quiet, with lighting kept to a minimum. LNG terminals have very low environmental emissions. There are very limited air emissions and only rainwater is drained from the site. There are almost no chemicals used in the process."
[WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Downeast LNG fails to mention that the LNG tanker and accompanying tugs emit more pollutants than an entire gas-fired electric generating station, not to mention the pollution to air and water from additional heavy industry that typically follows natural gas availability. The article also failed to mention five lawsuit from 2000 – 2003 by about 200 residents and businesses against one of Don Smith's (of Quoddy Bay LLC) cogeneration facilities (PDF file) for causing property values to decline.]
Millett wants to be first Green MP — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
The geopolitics of natural gas — Nation
Golar LNG signs contract for first LNG FSRU [floating, storage & regasification unit] — LNG Express
A contract valued at S$90 million ($148 million) for the first ever conversion of an existing LNG carrier into a LNG floating, storage and regasification unit (FSRU) was signed by Golar LNG Ltd. with Keppel Shipyard Ltd. of Singapore.
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LNG plan faces federal review — Globe and Mail, Ottowa, ON
"The comprehensive study process will address the specific concerns raised by the public, business groups and local government regarding shipping, and safety in the area of the proposed project [of Nova Scotia]," Mr. Dion said in a release.
Awards for LNG opponents — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
The town has named all the groups involved [Save Passamaquoddy Bay 3-Nation Alliance] in the battle against liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Passamaquoddy Bay for the group Volunteer of the Year award for 2005 and the individual award was presented to Art MacKay for his tireless efforts in opposing LNG. (Jan 3)
Revised Public Notice to Extend Comment Period for Proposed LNG Terminal — PRNewswire
Based upon requests received during public hearings held on Dec. 14 and Dec. 15, 2005 associated with the permit application filed by Weaver's Cove Energy, LLC and Mill River Pipeline, LCC, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has extended its public comment period to Feb. 8, 2006. The extension would allow the public additional time to prepare written comments regarding the application. (Jan 4)
Sempra Energy Reaches Agreement to Settle Energy Crisis Class-Action Litigation — PrimeZone.com
Through its Sempra LNG unit, which is building a liquefied natural gas (LNG) receipt facility in Baja California, Mexico, Sempra Energy agrees to provide regasified LNG to SoCalGas and SDG&E, subject to CPUC approval. The sales price will be $0.02 per million British thermal units less than the California Border Index price for natural gas. (Jan 4)
A Dispute Underscores the New Power of Gas — New York Times, New York, NY
But analysts say concern over creating too much dependence on Russian gas - or natural gas from any one country, for that matter - may propel large gas-consuming nations to consider importing the fuel from a variety of sources or switching to other fuels for heat and electricity. (Jan 3)
Facts support safety, cheaper cost of LNG [Opinion] — Ventura County Star, Ventura, CA
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