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2007 February

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2007

February

N.B. moves to halt LNG
Voters OK tax deal with LNG developer
Premier calls on FERC to halt LNG applications (Feb 27)
New Brunswick supports Canada [Commentary] (Feb 27)
It's OK to change direction [Editorial] (Feb 27)
Moving beyond threats [Editorial] (Feb 26)
Canadian LNG stance sparks heated reaction (Feb 23)
Indian Township sets February 27 for LNG referendum (Feb 23)
Threats of peaceful commerce anything but [Letter to the editor] (Feb 23)
Opinion (Feb 20)
LNG letter won't deter developers (Feb 20)
Public asked to write LNG letters (Feb 20)
Canada still opposed to LNG sites (Feb 13)
Perry split over LNG deal: Broader committee favored at meeting (Feb 13)
LNG fears realized? [Editorial] (Feb 13)
New Brunswick granted intervener status at Maine LNG terminal hearings (Feb 13)

Canadian LNG plant proposal hits roadblock
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 and its impact on the U.S. natural gas supply/demand imbalance (2007) (Jan 2007)

Indian Township prepares for LNG vote (Feb 9)
Petition seeks declaration of bay as marine protected area (Feb 9)
Perry split over LNG deal (Feb 9)
Anadarko mothballs Canadian LNG project
Candidates question LNG efforts (Feb 11)
Natural gas too important to fall prey to NIMBY attitudes [Opinion] (Feb 11)
Excelerate Energy makes first LNG transfer in England

N.B., Maine to share the power
Fall River alleges secret deal between Romney administration, LNG firm
Patrick urging U.S crews on LNG tankers bound for Massachusetts (Feb 6)
Oxy slows plan to build LNG terminal in Texas
The Future of Gas-Fired Power Generation, New Publication Announcement from Report Buyer [Press Release]
Company seeks pipeline contracts
Green Coast Related

US Urged to Ramp up Geothermal Power

Fundy Baykeeper concerned by threat of more ships in bay
Feds OK gas terminal off Gloucester
Carcieri rejects Hess safety plan
Natural gas terminal opposed
5 from Congress urge Corps to reject LNG
Maryland governor wants feds to stop AES plan (Feb 8)
More - not less - LNG headed our way
Firm sues to revive gas plant plan
No support for 'gas OPEC'

Reasons behind Calais LNG breakup remain elusive
Passamaquoddys, LNG firm at impasse (Feb 7)
Over 50 Turn Out For LNG Info Session In Perry (Feb 7)
Perry Selectmen Sign LNG Agreement (Feb 6)
Anadarko out of gas
Anadarko Petroleum writes off Bear Head
Broadwater: Floating Folly [Commentary] (Feb 4)
Environmental leaders question favorable report on LNG terminal (Feb 1)
Bill blocking LNG plant passes (Feb 6)
Md. report details flaws in LNG proposal
Residents return after Hankamer gas line blast (Jan 29)
Q&A on LNG venture (Feb 3)
Northern Star CEO reveals more details of LNG transit (Feb 6)
Role of Attorney and Chumash Leader in LNG Debate under Fire
Keely Shaye Brosnan: BHP's LNG not the answer (Feb 4)
LNG plan's demise worries opponents (Feb 4)
New LNG gateways (Feb 5)

Top

28 February 2007

N.B. moves to halt LNG — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME

"I think the citizens of Washington County, the citizens of Maine and the citizens of the United States should be very concerned by what the Canadian government is trying to do, which is to stop economic development in Washington County by dictating what sort of developments they want to occur on the U.S. side of the border," Downeast LNG President Dean Girdis said.

Webmaster's Comments: Girdis ignores the fact that his project would wreak economic and environmental harm on New Brunswick and Maine, as demonstrated by the Whole Bay Study. Girdis's project isn't about economic development for Washington County — it's about making enormous profits for his investors and a large paycheck for himself.

Voters OK tax deal with LNG developer — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME

INDIAN TOWNSHIP — Voters Tuesday night overwhelmingly approved a tax agreement between the Passamaquoddy Tribe and an Oklahoma-based liquefied natural gas developer.

The referendum question put forward by Nicholas and approved by Indian Township voters Tuesday would exempt the developer from real estate and personal property taxes. It also would allow the Pleasant Point reservation to reduce the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance tax it can impose on a construction project from 3 percent to 1 percent.

"This is wonderful news. I am pleased to see such overwhelming support," said Quoddy Bay LLC's Brian Smith.

Webmaster's Comments: The Bangor Daily News article headline and story misrepresent the facts. What actually happened was the voters approved the following question, quoted in its entirety from a sample ballot:

"Do you favor Indian Township entering into an agreement to share in the revenues of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility on the Passamaquoddy Reservation at Pleasant Point?"

Residents voted only to share the revenues. Taxes aren't mentioned.

A "Community Guide" for the referendum — a three-paragraph explanation — states that the money would be shared "on a per capita basis" with Indian Township. Apparently, the Indian Township Government would receive no money at all for their operations, but the individual residents would share equally in the lease payments distribution.

Regarding the above "overwhelming support" quote by Brian Smith: It would be surprising if anybody, anywhere, declined an offer of a free annual $8,000 payment into their individual pockets in exchange for their vote. How much would the residents of the Pleasant Point community be receiving individually from the LNG deal? Zero. But then, Quoddy Bay LNG didn't need their votes.

Correction: Webmaster Comments previously indicated that the ground lease between the tribe and Quoddy Bay LLC would pay a maximum of $12 million to the tribe. In fact, the lease indicates that maximum payment would be $4 million per quarter, equaling $16 million per year, maximum. Since the lease also indicates that payments would be reduced by 25% if the storage tanks were located on land other than at Pleasant Point, then the maximum payment to the tribe is reduced to $12 million. The per-capita payment to tribal members would then be a maximum of roughly $8,000 per person per year, not the $6,000 previously stated.

Premier calls on FERC to halt LNG applications — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB

"Following the Government of Canada's decision to deny LNG vessels permission to transit through Head Harbour Passage — a position we fully support — New Brunswick, as an intervener in the FERC process, has requested a suspension to further consideration of the applications in these proceedings," Graham said.

The decision on LNG vessels transiting Head Harbour Passage is the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government, and is outside the FERC process, which New Brunswick respects. (Feb 27)

New Brunswick supports Canada [Commentary] — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB

Where vessel transit through Head Harbour Passage is concerned, this falls under the sole jurisdiction of the Canadian federal government. The Government of Canada has clearly and strongly stated it will not permit LNG tankers to pass through Head Harbour Passage. (Feb 27)

It's OK to change direction [Editorial] — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB

Now is the time to up the pressure on FERC to ensure liquefied natural gas is restricted to places where it's appropriate. If New England wants 50 LNG terminals, great. Go for it. In places where it makes sense. (Feb 27)

Moving beyond threats [Editorial] — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME

The issue is further complicated because an LNG terminal is being built in Saint John, New Brunswick. Tankers headed to that facility will pass through the Gulf of Maine, although Maine residents had little voice in this project.

It is up to U.S. regulators, which are also considering LNG facilities in other parts of the country, to determine if the proposed facilities meet standards. (Feb 26)

Webmaster's Comments: The Bangor Daily News editorial staff would profit by discussing issues with the news department prior to issuing their opinions. If they had done that in this instance, they might have learned that:

The Saint John, New Brunswick terminal does not entail transiting a challenging, hairpin-turning, whirlpool-infested route that passes close to ledges, people, and civilian "assets" in both the US and Canada. The Saint John route is a straight shot, in considerably less challenging waters than in Passamaquoddy Bay. (Factoid: As indicated in the 1910 treaty between the US and Britain specifying the exact international boundary in Passamaquoddy Bay, Head Harbour Passage, Western Passage, and Friar Roads — and, therefore, Cobscook Bay — are all within Passamaquoddy Bay.)
The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ignores the world-class LNG-industry best practices standards (SIGTTO) that over 90% of the world's LNG industy subscribes to, and that warn industry participants against locating LNG piers in the conditions that are present in Passamaquoddy Bay. The LNG industry's standards, alone, should have short-circuited these projects before they got this far.

Canadian LNG stance sparks heated reaction — The Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME

"In order to access the Quoddy Bay site, LNG ships would need to transit through Head Harbour Passage, which Canada has now claimed to be sovereign waters," stated Quoddy Bay LNG Project Manager Brian Smith.

Downeast LNG issued a statement echoing the position put forward by Quoddy Bay LNG. "The Canadian position is not based on any documented concerns about safety.... (Feb 23)

Webmaster's Comments: "Earth to Brian Smith" — Since the War of 1812, Head Harbour Passage has been Canadian waters, without dispute.

"Earth to Dean Girdis" — Even the LNG industry itself, through the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO), in their documented, published best practices standards, indicate in around 30 places against siting an LNG terminal under the conditions in Passamaquoddy Bay.

Indian Township sets February 27 for LNG referendum — The Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME

Sipayik Tribal Council voted to offer Indian Township about 40% of the profits from a land lease with Quoddy Bay LNG. (Feb 23)

Threats of peaceful commerce anything but [Letter to the editor] — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB

The comments of U.S. Senator Kevin L. Raye regarding Canada's position on LNG tankers' passage through Head Harbour Passage "as a serious challenge to US sovereignty" and that "every American should be concerned about the dangerous precedent it would establish for a foreign country to control access to our ports" are typical of a dog about to find the limits of its own leash. (Feb 23)

Opinion — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB

In order to ensure that the interests of the province and its residents are represented to the fullest extent throughout the review process, the Province will be acting on legal advice from Sutherland Asbill & Brennan, a US law firm with FERC experience and LNG regulatory expertise. (Feb 20)

LNG letter won't deter developers — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB

U.S. Senator Kevin L. Raye [Raye is a Senator in the Maine legislature, not a US Senator — webmaster] has denounced Ambassador Wilson's letter, saying it represents "a serious challenge to U.S. sovereignty" and advises that, "every American should be concerned about the dangerous precedent it would establish for a foreign country to control access to our ports."

Sen. Raye levelled accusations at what he called "the powerful Irving Group of Companies" which he said brought to bear considerable influence shaping public opinion in the province with its newspapers while at the same time building its very own LNG terminal in Saint John.

The senator said if Canada follows through on its threat, the U.S.government has a responsibility to ensure such actions are met with "immediate and commensurate consequences," suggesting that authorization be withheld for Canadian LNG interests to tap into gas pipelines that run through Maine and that Canadian passage through U.S. waters on the west coast could be affected. (Feb 20)

Webmaster's Comments:

The "US ports" to which Raye refers don't exist;
It is US LNG developers who are challenging Canada's sovereignty, not the other way around;
Raye's accusation that Irving is shaping public opinion is an attempt to "convict through innuendo," without supporting evidence;
The implication that the two proposed LNG terminals could compete with Irving's Canaport terminal is unrealistic, since the Canaport terminal will have secured customers and be delivering natural gas to those customers long before Quoddy Bay LNG and Downeast LNG could be built and running.
The LNG that will be provided by the permitted Canaport terminal and the two offshore terminals at Gloucester, Massachusetts will most likely fulfill the additional New England demand for years to come;
Raye is related to outspoken supporters of the Quoddy Bay LNG project whom would likely benefit financially from the project;
Raye suggests that the US should block natural gas coming through Maine from Canada — advocating against US energy security.

Public asked to write LNG letters — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB

Downeast LNG is especially disappointed that the Canadian government is trying to stop their project before it has had its proper review in accordance with US laws and regulatory practices, said Girdis.... (Feb 20)

Webmaster's Comments: And yet, Girdis wants communities and organizations to approve these same projects prior to their proper review.

Canada still opposed to LNG sites — The Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME

The facts are clear. The position of residents in these coastal areas is also clear. And so is the position of their government. (Feb 13)

Perry split over LNG deal: Broader committee favored at meeting — The Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME

A Perry special town meeting deemed legal by some and illegal by others brought a turnout of about 200 people to listen, voice their opinions and cast votes regarding a citizens' committee to represent the town in negotiations with the liquefied natural gas developer, Quoddy Bay LNG. (Feb 13)

LNG fears realized? [Editorial] — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB

The time for clouded and mixed-message opposition to these LNG projects has to end now. And we'll be looking to Premier Graham to, if not defend us, at least say he's going to do all he and his government can to stop the tankers coming through. (Feb 13)

New Brunswick granted intervener status at Maine LNG terminal hearings — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB

Premier Shawn Graham says the province opposes the terminals because they would require huge tankers to pass through Canadian waters at Head Harbour Passage. (Feb 13)

Top

20 February 2007

Canadian LNG plant proposal hits roadblock — All Things Considered, Maine Public Radio

Sound File — Windows Media Player required (download the free required software)

There are three liquified natural gas import terminals planned for Atlantic Canada: two in Nova Scotia and a third in New Brunswick. But one of those projects is frozen mid-construction. The project a Bear Head Nova Scotia has enjoyed more support than similar proposals in Maine, but it's run up against an unforseen obstacle. No one wants to use it. Sara Nics reports.

Webmaster's Comments: Lack of LNG supply, lack of demand, and changes in the LNG market are hurting the chances of the proposed Passamaquoddy Bay LNG projects. Anadarko's CN$110 million loss on its permitted but failed Nova Scotia LNG terminal is covered in the story, and Quoddy Bay LNG Project Manager Brian Smith's logic for the failure is incorrect, according to the interviewed US Department of Energy's spokesman for the Energy Information Agency.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 and its impact on the U.S. natural gas supply/demand imbalance (2007) — American Gas Foundation, Washington, DC

The purpose of this report, "The Energy Policy Act of 2005 and Its Impact on the U.S. Natural Gas Supply/Demand Imbalance," is twofold. First, the report revisits the findings of a prior 2005 AGF study, "Natural Gas Outlook to 2020", in light of recent market conditions. Second, and very importantly, the report performs a "gap analysis" that compares the policy scenarios outlined in the 2005 AGF Outlook Study to the potential impacts of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This analysis measures the progress in implementing policies/regulations that could ease the natural gas supply/demand imbalance and lower energy costs for consumers. (Jan 2007)

Webmaster's Comments: Despite the organization's non-profit status, there's a definite, flagrant pro-industry bias.

Top

12 February 2007

Indian Township prepares for LNG vote — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME

The Indian Township tribal government is holding two community meetings this month to explain a proposed tax agreement that the Passamaquoddy Joint Tribal Council is being asked to sign by Quoddy Bay LNG.

The first community meeting was scheduled for Friday, February 9, with the second one not yet scheduled. The meetings are being held in advance of a referendum to be held at Indian Township concerning the proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Split Rock, Pleasant Point. The date of the referendum has not yet been set, but it is to be held before February 28. (Feb 9)

WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: We understand that the February 9 Indian Township community meeting was scrubbed as a result of no attendance by community members.

Petition seeks declaration of bay as marine protected area — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME

A petition to have the Canadian government declare the Passamaquoddy Bay ecosystem an emergency marine protected area (MPA) is being circulated in an effort to protect endangered right whales, marine mammals, birds, fish and other species and to prevent the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals around the bay. (Feb 9)

WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Sign the petition.

Perry split over LNG deal — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME

[Selectman Jeanne Guisinger] added, "Voters in the town of Harpswell said no to $8 million. The Passamaquoddy Tribe has supposedly been offered $12 million. Could a negotiating committee have done any better? Well, they certainly couldn't have done any worse." (Feb 9)

Anadarko mothballs Canadian LNG project — Reuters

Anadarko had been unable to acquire adequate supplies of liquefied natural gas to put through the terminal, Canadian officials said. An effort to sell the partially completed facility also failed, officials said.

WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: How do Downeast LNG and Quoddy Bay LNG expect to obtain any supply of LNG?

Candidates question LNG efforts — The Herald News, Fall River, MA

Although Coalition for Responsible Siting of LNG president Joe Carvalho refused to comment for this story, The Herald News has learned the coalition's executive board has requested a meeting with Lambert to "clear the air." (Feb 11)

Natural gas too important to fall prey to NIMBY attitudes [Opinion] — The Mercury News, San Jose, CA

In the wake of yet another city's decision to abandon plans for a liquefied natural gas facility in the face of local opposition, "anywhere but here'' might become California's political anthem. (Feb 11)

WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: This writer tries to convince us that "history" — rather than siting and circumstance — protects us. He also throws out the all too familiar pro-LNG-at-any-cost "NIMBY" categorization at all those who oppose such projects.

Excelerate Energy makes first LNG transfer in England — Houston Business Journal, Houston, TX

The project … involved the first commercial transfer of LNG from one ship to another.

WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: This capability makes offshore LNG terminals even more attractive over land-based terminals.

Top

10 February 2007

N.B., Maine to share the power — Telegraph Journal, Saint John, NB

Graham said he and Baldacci discussed the plans in Maine to locate liquified natural gas terminals on the American side of Passamaquoddy Bay over Canadian objections.

Fall River alleges secret deal between Romney administration, LNG firm — SouthCoast Today, MA

FALL RIVER — Mayor Edward M. Lambert is alleging that the outgoing Romney administration last spring reneged on its promises and made a secret deal to exempt the Weaver's Cove LNG project from stringent state safety and environmental reviews. The city announced it is suing to reverse the decision.

Patrick urging U.S crews on LNG tankers bound for Massachusetts — SouthCoast Today, MA

BOSTON — Gov. Deval Patrick is urging federal officials to require U.S.-trained and certified crews on all liquefied natural gas tankers bound for Massachusetts. (Feb 6)

Oxy slows plan to build LNG terminal in Texas — KPLC-TV, Montgomery, AL

Forecasts for declining U.S. gas production and expected high prices for imported LNG triggered more than 40 proposals for new terminals after 2000. Recent shifts in the market have slowed growth. [Bold emphasis added.]

The Future of Gas-Fired Power Generation, New Publication Announcement from Report Buyer [Press Release] — PR Web Newswire, Ferndale, WA

The key to the future of natural gas lies in how that gas is to be supplied to the expanding markets across the globe; the movement of natural gas, either by pipeline or as LNG, follows a pattern today in which the highly developed economies consume the greatest proportion of the gas.

Company seeks pipeline contracts — The World, Coos Bay, OR

“We don't do an economic analysis of the need for such facilities,” said Paul Friedman, a FERC project manager, at a recent public meeting. “The proponent company is at total financial risk. (This) order will address the need for such facilities.”


Green Coast Related		US Urged to Ramp up Geothermal Power — Planet Ark, Sydney, NSW, Australia

"I don't want to see us be in a situation where we are importing a big fraction of our natural gas just to generate power, and I think that's the direction we are headed in if we don't start to produce some alternatives," he added.

Top

9 February 2007

Fundy Baykeeper concerned by threat of more ships in bay — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB

SAINT JOHN — A second oil refinery in Saint John together with the proposed LNG terminal there will double the number of ships operating in the Bay of Fundy increasing the risk of oil spills, tanker accidents, possible explosions and possible collisions with large marine mammals, says the Fundy Baykeeper.

Feds OK gas terminal off Gloucester — (AP) The Boston Globe, Boston, MA

The federal government for the second time in six weeks has approved the construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal in Massachusetts Bay.

On Jan. 30, Suez Energy North America won approval from the Maritime Administration for its Neptune offshore LNG facility about 7 miles off the Gloucester coast.

Carcieri rejects Hess safety plan — The Herald News, Fall River, MA

FALL RIVER — Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri recently sent a strongly worded letter to Hess LNG CEO Gordon Shearer to inform the company that the Ocean State will develop an emergency response plan on its own and will not be held hostage by a private entity that he says is attempting to call the shots on how such a response plan should be formulated.

Natural gas terminal opposed — The Capital, Annapolis, MD

BALTIMORE — Maryland's two U.S. Senators joined the governor yesterday in opposing a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal near Baltimore.
Both projects already received state approval.

WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Two newly licensed offshore LNG terminals in New England, near the market.

5 from Congress urge Corps to reject LNG — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore, MD

Maryland's two U.S. senators, along with three congressmen from the state, are urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reject a request from the company that wants to build a liquefied natural gas facility on Sparrows Point to dredge a portion of the Patapsco River.

Maryland governor wants feds to stop AES plan — Washington Business Journal, Arlington, VA

"I urge FERC to recognize the negative impacts of this proposal to the state of Maryland, our citizens, our environment and our economy, and deny this project," O'Malley says in a statement. (Feb 8)

More - not less - LNG headed our way — Savannah Morning News, Savannah, GA

The number of tankers off-loading LNG at Elba has grown from 10 in 2002 to 55 last year.

Firm sues to revive gas plant plan — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, CA

The company backing a $750-million natural gas terminal in Long Beach Harbor filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking to revive its project after officials in that city terminated it last month.

Critics, including staff at the California Coastal Commission, the Public Utilities Commission and the Energy Commission, say that a catastrophic accident at the proposed natural gas terminal would burn much of the harbor, one of the busiest in the nation, and the Long Beach waterfront.

No support for 'gas OPEC' — Trade Arabia, Manama, Bahrain

Indonesia, a leading liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, is not interested in creating a cartel of gas producers that would attempt to control prices as Opec does, a senior energy ministry official said.

The oil minister of Qatar, which is overtaking Indonesia as the biggest LNG exporter, said last week that he also did not see the need for a natural gas suppliers' cartel.

Top

8 February 2007

Reasons behind Calais LNG breakup remain elusive — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME

Although Emery had little to say on Wednesday, he did comment on the breakup during an interview with the Bangor Daily News last month. "Although our intentions were certainly genuine and [we did] the best that we could with the original group, things got really complicated," he said.

Passamaquoddys, LNG firm at impasse — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME

"For example, they owe us right now ... a half a million dollars, but they won’t give it to us because we didn’t meet some of the thresholds in the contract. Well if that’s true then the contract needs to stop until those thresholds are met, but for both sides, not just one," the chief said. (Feb 7)

Over 50 Turn Out For LNG Info Session In Perry — WQDY-FM, Calais, ME

We asked Board Chairman David Turner for his reaction in that it seemed there weren't that many questions asked. (Feb 7)

WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Only about 50 people, and few questions. Where's the interest in this "deal"?

Perry Selectmen Sign LNG Agreement — WQDY-FM, Calais, ME

"Mr. Turner and Mr. [Dick] Adams questioned the validity of that meeting, but they cannot ignore the enormity of the collective voice," Guisinger said. "On a stormy February night, and despite the dire Mr. Turner's dire warnings that this was an 'illegal' meeting, a record turn out for a special town meeting overwhelmingly, in a 3-1 vote, mandated citizen participation in the negotiating process. It was an unshakable show of support for community involvement in the process and a strong vote of no-confidence for the present approach." (Feb 6)

Anadarko out of gas — Chronicle Herald, Halifax, NS

After mentioning the company had taken a $178-million writedown from projects in Venezuela, Walker noted the project in Cape Breton was also officially being taken off the books.

"We also took a $111-million charge for the Bear Head project, which we are in the process of mothballing," he said.

Energy industry experts predict many North American projects seeking the gas will fail to obtain the fuel over the next few years.

Anadarko Petroleum writes off Bear Head — Cape Breton Post, Syndey, NS

Petroleum giant Anadarko Petroleum of Houston, Tex., this week announced it has written off its investment in Bear Head LNG project in Richmond County, a wholly owned subsidiary, and will now mothball the site.

The company had planned to build a $500-million LNG terminal and have it supplying natural gas to the Maritimes and Northeast pipeline in 2008. The company slowed construction after it failed to secure a long-term stranded gas supply.

Broadwater: Floating Folly [Commentary] — The Hartford Courant, Hartford, CT

A 2006 report by Synapse Energy Economics found that existing land-based LNG terminals (including Bear Head in Nova Scotia and Canaport in New Brunswick, now under construction in eastern Canada and expected to begin deliveries in 2008) can meet present and future demand for imported gas in the northeastern United States. The authors argue that gas demand may actually decline through better management of existing resources, including storage facilities to help meet peak winter demand, as well as increased use of renewable energy, such as solar and wind.

Energy policies already adopted by the states of New York and Connecticut prioritize renewable energy and conservation, while FERC favors supply for increased consumption.

The conflict is an important test of where the United States' energy future is headed. [Bold emphasis added.] (Feb 4)

Environmental leaders question favorable report on LNG terminal — Newsday, New York, NY

In filings in Washington in the past 10 days, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation contend that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's conclusion is based on flawed data or methodology relating to local weather patterns, marine life such as lobsters and clams, fishing and other small vessel traffic near the proposed site, and other specific environmental concerns. (Feb 1)

WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: The US Environmental Protection Agency is questioning FERC's judgement.

Bill blocking LNG plant passes — The Baltimore Examiner, Baltimore, MD

County attorney John Beverungen said he believes the bill will stand in court because the gas act does not pre-empt the federal Coastal Zone Act. (Feb 6)

Md. report details flaws in LNG proposal — Baltimore Sun, Baltimore, MD

...Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith Jr., a former judge, said yesterday that the new law will stand up in court. "We believe the critical area zone prohibition of LNG trumps a FERC decision. ... There are few things that trump FERC, but we believe this is one of them."

The 90-page advisory, prepared by state Department of Natural Resources, concludes that the proposed terminal does not meet FERC's condition as a "remote site."

The nearest houses are 1.2 miles from the site. (Bold emphasis added.)

Residents return after Hankamer gas line blast — Houston Chronicle, Houston, TX

Two pipeline workers were injured and 30 families evacuated for three hours today after a 25-foot plume of pressurized natural gas spewed from an Energy Transfer Partners' pipeline that ruptured just north of Interstate 10 in Chambers County. (Jan 29)

Q&A on LNG venture — The Daily News, Longview, WA

Seventeen [LNG import terminals] have been approved by FERC. Another three have been approved by the Coast Guard, which oversees offshore facilities in federal waters. The Canadian Government has approved three. Mexico has approved an additional three.

In addition, eleven have been proposed to FERC and another eight have been proposed to the Coast Guard. [Bold emphasis added.] (Feb 3)

WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Summary:

There are 5 existing (4 onshore, 1 offshore) LNG import terminals now operate in the US
(Note: 1 LNG export terminal operates in Alaska);

17 onshore LNG import terminals have been approved by FERC;
3 offshore LNG import terminals have been approved by the US Coast Guard.

Plus,

3 onshore LNG import terminals have been approved by Canada;
3 onshore LNG import terminals have been approved by Mexico.

That totals 26 approved import terminals; however, industry experts have indicated only about 7 new terminals are actually needed to supply the entire US into the future.

Northern Star CEO reveals more details of LNG transit — The Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR

But Coast Guard says no details of security precautions are final. (Feb 6)

Role of Attorney and Chumash Leader in LNG Debate under Fire — Malibu Surfside News, Malibu, CA

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also comes under fire:: Advance Copy of Pro-LNG Column Leads to Challenge of Environmental Credentials

[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.] said he and Waiya are on record as supporting the concept of LNG imports to replace coal and other power sources that they say are dirtier. “I have supported LNG facilities near my house, if they can be built to comply with environmental laws,” Kennedy said. “But I have not endorsed this particular project, and in fact, the Cabrillo Port project has all kinds of problems that I think may be fatal to it.”

“If that thing is built right now, it would be the largest source of smog in Ventura County,” Kennedy said. “We have three children at home with asthma, and that’s a huge concern for us.”

The Kennedy column was re portedly drafted nearly two months ago, and environmentalists charge that its release was timed by BHP Billiton’s law and public relations firm to coincide with upcoming public hearings. The firm, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, has a million-dollar lobbying contract for BHPB’s Malibu project.

The alleged source of the document before its publication, Manatt attorney David Huard, was asked by The News if the firm manipulated the timing of the release of the Kennedy report, and he replied with a terse, “I have no comment.”

Keely Shaye Brosnan: BHP's LNG not the answer [Opinion] — Ventura County Star, Ventura, CA

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s commentary, "LNG a vital ‘bridge' fuel," makes several good points, including that extracting and burning coal and oil is toxic, and causes harm to people and the environment. Although it is carefully worded to avoid an endorsement of the proposed BHP Billiton Cabrillo Port floating liquefied natural gas terminal, it leaves the reader with the misguided impression that this particular project could be the solution to many of these problems. (Feb 4)

LNG plan's demise worries opponents — Ventura County Star, Ventura, CA

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has the final say on any project, has indicated support for offshore LNG terminals. (Feb 4)

New LNG gateways — The Globe and Mail, Toronto, ON

Three of the eight projects have already been approved by a joint federal-provincial regulatory panel. The Maritime projects are poised to become major LNG gateways into the northeastern U.S. market, with Quebec eager to also play a major role. (Feb 5)

WEBMASTER'S COMMENTS: Story content is somewhat outdated, but still informative. It lists the following Canadian projects:

Saint John, NB — Canaport (Irving Oil and Repsol)
Bear Head, NS — Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (permitted project has been mothballed for lack of LNG supply)
Goldboro, NS — Keltic Petrochemicals and Maple LNG
Bish Cove near the port of Kitimat, BC — Kitimat LNG Inc.
Prince Rupert, BC — WestPac LNG Corp.
Gros-Cacouna, QP (near Rivière-du-Loup) — Petro-Canada and TransCanada
Lévis, QP — Rabaska (Gaz Métro, Enbridge Inc., and Gaz de France)
Grande-Anse, QP (on the Saguenay River) — Énergie Grande-Anse Inc.

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