Thirdly, on page 19 of the RSS Study, there is a table listing all of the sites that Mr. Girdis looked at prior to selecting Mill Cove. He gives significant weight to community assessment. He states that the position of adjacent communities is 'generally supportive.' Again, I ask, does he remember his reception at last year's meeting in St.Andrews?

In closing, I would encourage Mr. Girdis to listen to his wife. At the same meeting last year, he publicly stated he and his wife were at Mill Cove on a beautiful day the summer before. As his wife looked out on Mill Cove and our treasured bay, she said to him, "Are you sure you want to do this?"

Mr.Girdis, listen to your wife! [Red emphasis added.] (Mar 16)

Instead of America-bashing rhetoric, there should be honest dialog and debate about the subject. A risk assessment should be made that includes navigational safety, environmental impacts, anti-terrorism and regional economic aspects. And, to ensure absolute objectivity, because of the commercial and economic interests involved, the assessment should draw comparison with Irving's proposed LNG facility at Canaport and Saint John, and its associated miles of pressurized natural gas pipeline through New Brunswick wilderness to the Maine border. (Mar 20)

Webmaster's Comments: This letter's author provides several half-truths. For instance, he wants readers to believe that US Coast Guard rescue vessel crews are armed to the teeth with automatic weapons mounted on deck, like when they're protecting an LNG vessel.

The writer avoids mentioning that the world's LNG industry standards, as published by SIGTTO, already warn against locating LNG piers under the conditions present in Passamaquoddy Bay — and not simply for LNG ship navigation reasons.

LNG-proponents keep resurrecting the Passamaquoddy Bay - Saint John Harbour comparison that has been previously debunked. Passamaquoddy Bay is a significant marine nursery. Saint John Harbour is not. Passamaquoddy Bay is fraught with hazards. The approach to Saint John Harbour is not.

The letter, perhaps unintentionally, makes a good argument against building more natural gas pipelines. The US Office of Pipeline Safety's pipeline operator report for 1986 – 2006 indicates that there were 1,910 US natural gas pipeline "incidents" (that's one every three days) resulting in 63 deaths, 246 injuries, and over $48 million in property damage. Even so, a single LNG tanker or terminal fire could result in a significantly larger catastrophic impact.

The writer may be correct regarding less-than-stellar LNG project environmental vetting in Canada. However, every child learns that two wrongs don't make a right. The LNG industry standards dictate against siting an LNG terminal in Passamaquoddy Bay. Arguing that Canada is doing some other thing improperly simply doesn't justify violating the industry's standards.

This month Broadwater Energy, which is seeking to locate a 1,250-foot-long floating LNG storage vessel about nine miles north of Wading River in Long Island Sound, offered the community of Riverhead's school district approximately $10 million per year and the Town of Riverhead about $2.4 million per year. Broadwater maintains that the Long Island Sound site is not within the town's taxing jurisdiction, but Broadwater has promised to make an additional payment in lieu of taxes of about $15 million. One of the features about the proposed project includes a promise to supply natural gas to the area. The project would not require any municipal services, and it wouldn't present any danger to people on shore because it would be so far away. According to a company representative, there would be no additional resources required from the town -- no roads, no traffic. The company representative said, "We are not calling on the local fire departments or police." [Bold red emphasis added.] (Mar 23)

Perry residents can cast their votes on Monday, March 26, at the municipal building, from 1 to 7 p.m., to elect municipal officials and to vote on three referendum questions. Running in a two-way race for a three-year term as selectman are H. Richard Adams and Austin C. Frost. Other candidates and positions listed on the ballot are: two seats on the school board, each for three-year terms -- incumbent Eileen Curry, incumbent Sarah Hood, Ann Skriletz, and Ivy Newcomb Turner. Seven candidates are running for three seats on the planning board, all three-year terms: Howard Calder, Robert Costa, Gerald Morrison, Linda Newcomb, Karen H. Raye, Graydon Ritchie Jr., and Brian Theriault. (Mar 23)

Informational meeting recaps financial agreement for LNG — The Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME

The Emergency Response Plan, the local impact provision in the framework agreement, brought up some questions during the meeting. Quoddy Bay LNG has offered up to $300,000 per year of the company's annual payment to the Town of Perry for ERP costs. The company said it will pay all additional ERP costs above this amount, including capital facility costs. "Where did the figure come from?" was one questions. "FERC [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission] must have an idea of what it would cost. Was it just hauled out of a hat?" (Mar 23)

Webmaster's Comments: The Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires an Emergency Response "Cost Sharing Plan" only for the terminal facility and vessels servicing that facility.

Quoting the Energy Policy Act of 2005:

‘‘(e)(1) In any order authorizing an LNG terminal the Commission shall require the LNG terminal operator to develop an Emergency Response Plan. The Emergency Response Plan shall be prepared in consultation with the United States Coast Guard and State and local agencies and be approved by the Commission prior to any final approval to begin construction. The Plan shall include a cost-sharing plan. ‘‘(2) A cost-sharing plan developed under paragraph (1) shall include a description of any direct cost reimbursements that the applicant agrees to provide to any State and local agencies with responsibility for security and safety— ‘‘(A) at the LNG terminal; and ‘‘(B) in proximity to vessels that serve the facility.’’. [Underline and bold emphasis added.]

The Energy Policy Act does not require any actual payment for these purposes — just a "cost-sharing plan." There is no requirement for paying for emergencies resulting from the LNG terminal or tanker transit that affect anything outside the terminal or the marine vessels. Those substantial costs — unless the LNG company agrees otherwise — will be borne by the taxpayers, since affected communities have no negotiating power under the current federal law.

That is the Energy Policy Act that Maine's Congressional delegation — Sen. Snowe, Sen. Collins, Rep. Michaud, and Rep. Allen — voted into law!

"We feel we are on very firm legal ground as a sovereign nation. That's why we were very deliberate in our choice of words to FERC," says Thompson of Canadian Ambassador Michael Wilson's letter to Joseph Kelliher, chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). He comments that the ambassador, in his letter outlining the Canadian government's position, "used language that Harry Truman would have been pleased with -- very plain and straightforward." (Mar 23)

On Thursday, March 8, a public hearing regarding two referendum questions in Perry brought a turnout of about 25 people to discuss a proposed Pavement Management Plan that would initiate an 11-year paving plan and road maintenance for the town with an increase in spending up to $160,000, and a citizens' initiative that asks the town to conduct all future discussions with Quoddy Bay LNG with an 11-member committee comprised of several officials and representatives of the Perry community. (Mar 23)

Freedom of Access lawsuit withdrawn — The Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME

Rosenfeld had stated in an earlier letter to Selectwoman Jeanne Guisinger that he would "probably drop the lawsuit once the documents were released." Foster said, "This all could have been avoided with all the foot dragging that there was." (Mar 23)

"Despite some of the disputes that arise from assumptions, two key points are agreed upon by most every expert on LNG," added Smith. "The major risk from an LNG spill would be a heat hazard due to a potential fire. More importantly, as the GAO confirms, explosions are not likely to occur." (Mar 23)

Webmaster's Comments: Despite FERC's and the LNG industry's propaganda, the GAO doesn't rule LNG vapor explosions out.

NOTE: This article will be available online for non-subscribers until around March 29.

Most likely, Canada's belligerence is trade protectionism under another guise: New Brunswick is positioning itself as an energy distribution hub.

Webmaster's Comments: This Wall Street Journal editorial is so full of misinformation, it reads like something spoon-fed to them by an LNG developer.

Contrary to the editorial, existing navigational hazards cannot be reliably overcome with safety measures. The hazards will remain in place, waiting for human error to result in an accident.
 

Contrary to the editorial, there is no dynamite transit via ship to the Bayside, New Brunswick, terminal. All dynamite shipments arrive by truck.
 

Contrary to the editorial, Canada isn't practicing "trade protectionism." They're practicing marine and LNG safety, in compliance with SIGTTO LNG-industry standards — world-class LNG terminal siting safety standards that FERC and the local developers ignore!
 

Contrary to the editorial, the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline is not operating at below capacity. In fact, FERC has just authorized expansion of that pipeline in order to accommodate the natural gas that will soon be coming from the Canaport LNG terminal in Saint John, New Brunswick.
 

While the editorial erroneously claims that Canaport and the proposed Passamaquoddy LNG projects are in competition with each other, the truth is that Canaport already has an LNG supply, will have completed its facility, and will be providing natural gas to New England long before the proposed Downeast LNG and Quoddy Bay LNG projects. Canaport has nothing to worry about regarding Downeast LNG and Quoddy Bay LNG.
 
In addition, the two offshore LNG terminals near Gloucester, Massachusetts, will be completed and delivering natural gas before the proposed Downeast LNG and Quoddy Bay LNG projects. Without LNG supplies and without customers, Downeast LNG and Quoddy Bay LNG were out-competed before they began. They're simply attempting to blame Canada for their own lack of due diligence.
 

Contrary to the editorial, Canada doesn't expect a market with no competition. In fact, they've indicated that they'd have no problem with LNG facilities along the Maine coast, but away from Passamaquoddy Bay and Canadian communities.

The Wall Street Journal apparently didn't adequately research the subject prior to putting their thoughts to press.

Hon. Peter MacKay (Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, CPC): "Mr. Speaker, Canada's new government has indicated forcefully that we oppose the transit of LNG traffic through Head Harbour Passage. The Prime Minister has stated this. The veterans affairs minister has championed this. I have raised this with Secretary Rice. Ambassador Wilson has formally conveyed to the United States strong opposition to LNG tankers passing through Head Harbour Passage because of navigational, environmental and public safety concerns." (Mar 21)

"This isn't a case of partisanship.

"Greg Thompson has been very clear, as has the prime minister.

"We're speaking with one voice. [Bold emphasis added.]

Pipeline for offshore LNG ports approved — Gloucester Daily Times, Gloucester, MA

Excelerate's Northeast Gateway Energy Bridge, proposed 13 miles southeast of Gloucester and expected to be operational by the end of the year, and Suez North America's Neptune, proposed seven miles southeast of the city and expected to be ready in 2009, will both tie into the Algonquin line. (Mar 21)

Webmaster's Comments: Offshore terminals present fewer hazards to the public than the shoreside LNG terminals like those being proposed for Passamaquoddy Bay. Plus, the Gloucester offshore terminals moot the need for the Passamaquoddy Bay proposals.

Possibility of class-action suit against pollution is raised — Dundalk Eagle, Dundalk, MD

The first hearing, on Thursday, is for Senate Bill 997, which deals with a proposal to make companies that build LNG facilities liable for accidents at their facilities.

An International Court of Justice ruling in 1951 established that the 12-mile limit could be extended in some instances. Countries could draw a straight baseline across areas of coastal areas dotted with many islands and basically declare that all the water between that line and the mainland is internal, even if it lies outside the 12-mile limit. The ruling was about a case involving Norway. But some observers say Canada's geographic case is similar. (Feb 9)

Webmaster's Comments: Although this story doesn't directly involve LNG or natural gas, it does show how the Northwest Passage is similar to Passamaquoddy Bay, and how both can be considered "internal Canadian waters," limiting the ability of foreign vessels to declare "innocent passage" through both areas.

Also, note — when the US disputed Canada's right to share-in-common the offshore Gulf of Maine traditional fishing grounds with the US — the 1984 International Court of Justice decision (PDF 6.7 MB) declared the waters southwest and of Machias Seal Island, and east to Nova Scotia, as Canadian, ending forever the US fishing rights there.

The 10-year itch — Petroleum News, Anchorage, AK

The experience of every operator in the inlet is that “if you shut in a producing gas well, you’re asking for trouble.” That trouble, he said, comes in the form of water, because a lot of the gas wells in Cook Inlet have started to produce a little water. “And the first rule of thumb when you’re producing a gas field that’s producing water is outrun that water,” produce the gas before the water takes over.

“If you shut in these wells, water’s going to continue to encroach, even if you’re not producing,” Jepsen said, and that causes “catastrophic failure of the sands.” Sand fills the well bores and production can’t be restored from those wells. (Mar 16)

Put LNG siting on hold [Editorial] — The Register-Guard, Eugene, OR

Imagine a fire so fierce that it could burn skin a mile away.

A new study by the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, says a terrorist attack against a tanker ship carrying liquefied natural gas could cause an inferno that intense. It urged the Department of Energy to research the risks of a major fire or gas release caused by natural disasters or terror attacks on LNG tankers.

Developers can pledge, as they invariably do, to fully comply with state and local laws, but the fate of their applications lies in the hands of a five-member [politically-appointed] federal commission in Washington, D.C. Once the commission gives its approval, state and local officials can do nothing to block a project.

Congress should review this sweeping and unwise usurpation of local control, which was part of energy legislation crafted six years ago by Vice President Dick Cheney and a coterie of industry lobbyists.

The natural gas industry pushed for federal siting authority because it wanted to avoid the cost and inconvenience of delays caused by local debates over the projects - debates such as those that the proposed Oregon sites are already generating.

The GAO study provides ample evidence that safety issues must be addressed before more terminals are sited. [Bold red emphasis added.] (Mar 21)

Malibu environmentalists vs. the lifeblood of California [News release] — Ayn Rand Institute, Irvine, CA

Environmentalists criticize the plant for excessive pollution--even though natural gas is the cleanest burning of all of today's practical energy sources. They claim that the plant is a safety hazard--even though LNG terminals have an incredible safety record, and this particular terminal has taken every safety precaution imaginable.

"No genuine concern for human well-being can explain the seething opposition to this power facility. The real reason it inspires such hostility among environmentalists is the simple fact that it is a large-scale industrial project--a prominent product of man's transformation of nature. This goes against the environmentalist doctrine that untouched nature is an intrinsic value that must be preserved at human expense. Environmentalists view the whole of industrial civilization as, in the words of Brosnan's wife and fellow activist Keely Brosnan, a 'globalized assault taking place on our Earth.'

"Environmentalists have been attacking energy production in California--and around the world--for decades now, raising prices and creating shortages. Californians must not let them collect yet another industrial scalp." (Mar 21)

Webmaster's Comments: The Ayn Rand Institute calls itself "The Center for the Advancement of Objectivism." Unfortunately, "objectivity" in their news release is regressive.

They place the blame for the resistance to LNG facilities only on "environmentalists";

They paint all "environmentalists" with the same broad brush;

They attack the "excessive pollution" argument, when it is clear that some LNG facilities create excessive NO_x pollution — even Quoddy Bay LNG's Brian Smith volunteered that their proposed LNG facility will be a "major source of Noxious [NO_x]" pollution;

They claim that LNG terminals are safe, even though the US government says that LNG facilities are terrorist targets. Additionally, the US Government Accountability Offices' recent report indicates that LNG facilities aren't as safe as the LNG industry and FERC would like the public to believe.

They imply that untouched nature should be expendable at the demand of industry, and that "environmentalists" are opposed to all practical sources of energy. They apparently believe there should be no appreciation for national parks, forests, and other wild places that should occupy a balanced place in our national priorities, and that only their choices of energy sources are "practical";

Remarkably, they blame "environmentalists" for high energy prices and energy shortages. Did environmentalists create the recent extremely high natural gas prices? Did environmentalists create the inefficient and fragile electrical energy infrastructure? Did environmentalists create the obscene profits recently taken by big oil, at the expense of consumers? No. Industry greed did all that.

Ayn Rand Institute's "objectivity" — at least in the above news release — is without substance.

Lawmakers fear additional LNG terminals will outstretch security resources — CQ Homeland Security (Congressional Quarterly)

Lawmakers expressed concern that the U.S. Coast Guard and other government agencies do not have the resources to secure the rapid increase in liquefied natural gas import terminals expected to come online in the next few years.

Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., and several Democratic members of the House Homeland Security Committee suggested Wednesday that Coast Guard officials were not being honest and acknowledging that new demand will stress the office’s capacity. (Mar 21)

No plan to create gas cartel similar to OPEC — Attiya — IndianMuslims.info, San Diego, CA

DOHA, March 21 (NNN-KUNA) -- Qatari Energy Minister Abdallah Al-Attiya has ruled out the chance of launching an OPEC-like gas cartel. (Mar 21)

Webmaster's Comments: And yet, (see "Natural-Gas OPEC") others are calling for such a cartel. Whom do you believe?

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15 March 2007

Study: Blast from LNG tanker could cause burns 1 mile away — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME

WASHINGTON — Fire from a terrorism attack against a tanker ship carrying liquefied natural gas could ignite so fiercely it would burn people one mile away, according to a congressional study.

Rob Wyatt, vice president of Downeast LNG in Robbinston, said Wednesday his company will read the GAO study but remains confident of the safety of LNG tankers.

“LNG shipping has an excellent safety record,” Wyatt said. “This is an industry that is very safety-conscious for a number of reasons, including the value of its assets. We review anything new that can be used to improve safety.”

Webmaster's Comments: Downeast LNG Rob Wyatt's attempt to link his company with the LNG industry's current safety record rings hollow. Downeast LNG's proposed terminal location already violates numerous LNG-industry safety standards, as defined and published by the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO). SIGTTO's purpose is gas industry safety, and its membership includes over 90% of the world-wide LNG capacity.

LNG fire could burn people a mile away, experts say — The Standard-Times, New Bedford, MA

Fall River Mayor Edward Lambert, who had promised to kill the project with "1,000 paper cuts," described the new report as one more cut and welcomed the prospect of congressional hearings.

"We need to create a critical mass of concern, and every time some individuals or agencies step forward with further concerns about moving ahead, it aids our cause," Mayor Lambert said.

LNG tanker attack seen as catastrophe — Boston Herald, Boston, MA

“It’s very troubling that our knowledge about the potential public safety consequences of a terrorist attack on these vessels is not better,” [US Representative Edward Markey] said in a statement.

The House’s Homeland Security Committee and the House Energy Committee, which Markey chairs, are planning hearings on LNG transports in coming weeks.

Report: LNG shipping hazards need study — The News Journal, New Castle, DE

Jerry A. Havens, an engineer and scientist who directs the Chemical Hazards Research Center at the University of Arkansas, said he generally agreed with the GAO findings.

Havens, one of the 19 experts polled for the study, has argued for years that past studies might have wrongly downplayed the risk that an attack or accident could "cascade," breaking open all LNG compartments on a tanker.

"I've said a number of times that that was an area that needed some more work," Havens said.

Although past studies have developed modeling assumptions based on small-scale spill data, there have been no large-scale LNG spills or spill experiments, GAO reported. "While there is general agreement on the types of effects from an LNG spill, the results of these models have created what appears to be conflicting assessments of the specific consequences of an LNG spill, creating uncertainties for regulators and the public," the report said.

Opponents File Complaint Over LNG Plans For Columbia — Oregon Public Broadcasting, Portland, OR

PORTLAND, OR 2007-03-15 Opponents of a proposed liquid natural gas plant on the Columbia River filed a formal complaint Thursday with the Securities Exchange Commission.

[Columbia Riverkeeper Brent Foster]: "They told the public that there'd be 65 jobs; their prospectus says 35 to 40. They told the public that this wasn't gas intended for California; in their prospectus they clearly identify California as their biggest market."

LNG hearings approach amidst investigations — The Malibu Times, Malibu, CA

Growing protests of federal intervention to ease BHP LNG Cabrillo Port approval precede four crucial hearings likely to determine its fate. An environmental review states that, in addition to contributing pollution, the port would be an eyesore, and lights from it would be visible to Malibu at night. (Mar 14)

A US congressional committee is investigating a government agency's handling of the proposal to build the large gas terminal off the coast of Malibu, California. The investigation centres on why the US Environmental Protection Agency decided the terminal would not be subject to strict local air quality rules. (Mar 16)

New plan for LNG takes off — Grunion Gazette, Long Beach, CA

Esperanza Energy, a subsidiary of Tidelands Oil & Gas Corporation, is proposing an LNG terminal 15 miles off-shore from the Port of Long Beach. LNG transported there in ships would be warmed back to a gaseous state and pumped to land via an underground pipeline.

Called Port Esperanza, the off-shore platform would be 10 miles away from the nearest land. That remote site is a major selling point — another LNG terminal proposed in the Port of Long Beach was rejected earlier this year after nearly two years of study. (Mar 12)

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline receives FERC approval to expand U.S. facilities — Oil Online, Houston, TX

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, L.L.C. has received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to double its capacity to accommodate critical supplies of natural gas sourced from the Canaport(TM) LNG receiving and re-gas terminal in Saint John, New Brunswick. Canaport(TM) LNG is a limited partnership of subsidiaries of Repsol YPF and Irving Oil Limited.

Webmaster's Comments: This is indicative of who is ahead in the LNG derby, and who is so far back, they've already lost.

With little or no controversy around expanding the Maritimes & Northeast pipeline into the States, U.S. approval was widely expected. There is, however, some controversy over possible construction of the Brunswick Pipeline, proposed by Halifax’s Emera Inc., on the Canadian side of the border.

Emera’s pipeline, which would carry regasified LNG on the Canadian side of the border, would bypass the Maritimes & Northeast pipeline in Canada and hook back into that line just across the border in Maine.

For competitive reasons, the backers of the Canaport LNG operation — Spanish oil company Repsol YPF and New Brunswick’s Irving Oil — would like a pipeline dedicated to delivering its regasified product directly to the U.S. border in a pipeline commonly referred to as the Bullet.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal asked Shell Oil Company President John Hofmeister during a face-to-face meeting today to drop his company's proposal to build the Broadwater liquefied natural gas facility (LNG) in Long Island Sound. Shell is a partner in Broadwater with TransCanada.

As far as BP is concerned, the company appreciates the interest, but the site will not come to Pennsville.

Offshore LNG terminal a safer alternative [Editorial] — Daily Breeze, Torrance, CA

...Esperanza's project would be at least 10 miles off the coast, a little less than half way to Catalina Island, which is far enough away to calm the worst case of jitters. Instead of an onshore terminal for conversion of LNG to its natural state, the liquid would be warmed offshore, then transferred by underwater pipe to existing pipelines onshore.

Red tape slowing proposed BHP gas terminal — The Daily Telegraph, Surry Hills, NSW, Australia

BHP Billiton, Australia's biggest oil and gas producer, says the start-up of a proposed $US800 million ($1020 million) natural gas import terminal in California may be delayed to 2013 because project approvals are taking longer than expected.

It originally expected primary approval by the end of 2004 and to start-up the terminal in 2008. Final approvals are now expected over the next months, allowing detailed design work to start.

Chevron gives up on building LNG plant — The Union-Tribune, San Diego, CA

Chevron has abandoned plans to build a $650 million liquefied natural gas receiving terminal near the Coronado Islands, ending a four-year battle with U.S. and Mexican environmentalists who feared the project would harm delicate plant, sea mammal, and bird habitats.

Despite ongoing opposition to the LNG receiving terminal since it was proposed in 2003, [Chevron spokeswoman Margaret Cooper] said, “the decision was based on our business needs.”

Calls for OPEC-style gas cartel become louder — Turkish Weekly, Ankara, Turkey

An informal group of gas producers that account 70 per cent of world gas reserves already exists in the form of the Gas Exporting Country Forum (GECF). This was founded in 2001 by Algeria, Iran and Russia also includes Libya, Qatar, Oman the UAE, Egypt, Bolivia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela as well as Norway as an observer.

So far, the GECF has remained a loose group and has made no attempt to control gas prices. However during his recent visit to Qatar, President Vladimir Putin said that the idea of a gas cartel had not been rejected
Gas exporting countries meeting in Doha in April will discuss forming an OPEC-like group Iran's oil minister Kazem Vazeri-Hamaneh says. This follows calls by Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khameni for Russia and other natural gas producers to establish a gas cartel.

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12 March 2007

LNG agreement signed — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB

Following the Passamaquoddy Tribe's Indian Township Reservation vote last week in support of the Quoddy Bay LNG development, the Passamaquoddy Tribe and Quoddy Bay LNG have signed the agreement that would lower the Tribe's construction tax from three per cent to one per cent and eliminate all other personal and property taxes for the LNG project on Passamaquoddy land in exchange for substantial lease payments. (Mar 9)

Pleasant Point Chief Rick Doyle believes the question was not sufficiently clear and should have been more explicit. However, he notes that residents were told that a vote in favor of the agreement would authorize the Indian Township Tribal Council to accept a revenue-sharing proposal from Pleasant Point and to support with the Pleasant Point Reservation the development of the LNG facility. A community guide on the referendum, sent out by the Indian Township tribal government to residents, stated that the Sipayik Tribal Council agreed in a resolution on December 27 to share on a per capita basis with Indian Township all income from lease fees from the LNG project, if the Project Coordination and Tax Agreement is adopted by the joint tribal council. The current populations of the two reservations would result in a split of approximately 60% of the revenues to Pleasant Point and 40% to Indian Township.

Indian Township resident Stephanie Bailey, who is opposed to the LNG proposal, says the wording of the question is a "pretty pathetic way to help your people understand" the greater meaning the question. She says residents were asked only if they wanted to share in the profits, not if they approve of the project or approve of signing the tax agreement. "There was absolutely no community discussion on the issue. There wasn't any understanding provided as to what the actual tax agreement was, and there was no platform for the people to discuss or even consider whether or not this was a fair, good or ethical venture. I am deeply saddened and ashamed at the way my people have embraced the lies of man once again." (Mar 9)

Webmaster's Comments: The vote appears to require all lease payments to be paid out on a per-capita basis. In other words, all the money will go to tribal individuals, with none going to tribal government, keeping tribal government in the same financial predicament that it is apparently currently in. This is despite the originally stated purpose — by those who argued in favor of the LNG project at Pleasant Point — to provide tribal government with operating funds.

The agreement initiates lease payments to the tribe, which will be split between the Indian Township Reservation and the Pleasant Point Reservation on a per capita basis. (Mar 9)

The province's announcement states that the decision on allowing LNG vessels to transit through Head Harbour Passage is the exclusive jurisdiction of the Canadian federal government and is outside the FERC process. As a result of the ban by the Canadian government, the two LNG terminals under review could not receive LNG vessels, which would make them not viable. The motion submitted by the province refers to a similar case in Long Beach, Calif., in which a terminal developer was requested to show why FERC should continue to review a terminal application when a factor "essential for the project to go forward" was declined. (Mar 9)

The Maine Board of Environmental Protection, at its March 1 meeting, accepted the 13 parties who requested to be intervenors in the application for permits by Downeast LNG for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Robbinston, according to the board's administrative assistant, Terry Hanson. Intervenors are allowed to testify, offer evidence and cross-examine witnesses during the board's public hearing on the application. (Mar 9)

On Monday, March 26 (sic; February 26), Ronald Rosenfeld, M.D., of Perry filed a Freedom of Access appeal and complaint against Selectman David Turner and the Town of Perry. Rosenfeld's attorney, John Foster, filed the complaint in Washington County Superior Court. In a letter dated February 12, Rosenfeld had requested that Turner, chairman of the Perry Board of Selectmen, make available to him copies of public records and documents concerning the proposal of Quoddy Bay LNG to site a facility within the Town of Perry that were made or received by Turner. (Mar 9)

In one of two heated exchanges during the March 5 selectmen's meeting in Perry, Chairman David Turner made a motion to release all documents requested by resident Ron Rosenfeld, who filed a lawsuit against Turner and the Town of Perry on February 26 citing a Freedom of Access denial. (Mar 9)

The Yellow Wood Analysis summary that was prepared by Shanna Ratner was distributed during the hearing. It states, "The Financial Framework Agreement is, essentially, an agreement to agree. It does not take effect until a comprehensive agreement is negotiated and signed, and then only if a tax increment financing district (TIF) for the facility is also established by the Town of Perry. Neither the comprehensive agreement nor the TIF agreements are available for review. Quoddy Bay is not obligated to any of the terms in the financial agreement unless and until a comprehensive agreement is negotiated and signed and a TIF is established. However, since the financial agreement states that the comprehensive agreement 'shall include the following terms and no others,' the town will not have the opportunity to reconsider if it decides the benefits are less than anticipated and/or inadequate to meet town needs. Neither will the town have the ability to terminate the financial agreement once it is approved by voters on or before April 1, 2007, although Quoddy Bay will have the right to terminate it." (Mar 9)

Webmaster's Comments: Although the ground lease between the Passamaquoddy Tribe and Quoddy Bay LLC allows for the 25-year lease to be extended for an additional 25 years, the agreement that Quoddy Bay LNG is offering Perry is for only 25 years. What will Quoddy Bay LNG provide Perry after the first 25 years?

Are you for or against the proposed Quoddy Bay LNG liquefied natural gas terminal and facilities for Split Rock and Perry? Selectman candidate Austin Frost responded, "Against it, because of where they want to place it. I am not against the industry itself; I just don't think that is the right place for it. Also, I want people to know that I am not running for selectman to stop it. I believe in listening to equal views about it. My feeling is if it goes through with the permits in place, it goes through. I would prefer to see it down state, though." (Mar 9)

"I can pretty well assure the public that right from the prime minister's own office down, the government is extremely engaged in this fight," stated St. Andrews Town Councillor David Welch. (Mar 6)

One is the concept of a deregulated export-import economy where goods and services surf around the world in search of the lowest production costs and the highest retail price. The other is the idea of "subsidized" resource extraction and government subsidized business activity.

What both things have in common is that they are both artificial systems that allow big businesses to sidestep their responsibilities to the rest of us, the real citizens. (Mar 6)

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8 March 2007

The link will download a PDF document (506.0 KB).

"Would you, in cooperation with the other members of the Maine Congressional delegation, seek the assistance of the Department of State in preparing a legal opinion on the right of commerce to travel over Head Harbor (sic) Passage, which are part of an international waterway, in the course of travel to and from ports in Maine. (sic) Such an opinion would be a valuable addition to the proceedings before FERC, and will bring some balance to the current, one-sided discussion of the issue of international maritime law." (Mar 6)

Perry board tackles hearing format — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME

The format as set forth by Turner calls for the town’s attorney to explain the agreement and then Turner, as moderator, would open the floor for questions.

Perry resident John Cook said he had information he would like to share with the public. "I have a PowerPoint presentation on the shortcomings of this deal that I would like to make available to the public at this hearing," he said. He requested the same amount of time allotted as the town’s attorney.

The chairman said that there would not be enough time to allow 70 people to have 40 minutes to speak. "We will see how much time we have," he said. "That’s the way we’ve conducted our hearings and that’s the way Maine Municipal [Association] says is proper ... and that’s the way it’s going to be conducted," Turner said. (Mar 6)

Webmaster's Comments: A pro-LNG chairman; an attorney who was the LNG developer's choice to represent the town; the attorney paid for, indirectly, by the LNG developer; and no presentation on the offer's shortcomings.

At the meeting, the chairman did allow the presentation on the offer's shortcomings.

13 entities named intervenors in Downeast LNG application — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME

Members of the BEP [Bureau of Environmental Protection] granted intervenor status to the following entities:

Town of Robbinston

City of Eastport

Professional Manners [sic; "Professional Mariners"] and Waterway Users of the Passamaquoddy Bay Region

Town of Robbinston residents

Eastport Port Authority

Save Passamaquoddy Bay and individual members

We Take Care of Our Land [Nulankeyutomonen Nkihtahkomikumon] and individual members

Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission

New Brunswick Fishermen's Associations

Harris Point Shore Cabins and Motel

Bear Creek Investments

Quoddy Bay LNG

North East Energy Development Co.

A reckless LNG plan [Editorial] — The Globe and Mail, Toronto, ON

[Payment required to access full article]

Security experts have long warned that accidents or terrorist attacks on liquefied natural gas tankers or terminals are not simply nightmarish movie scenarios. Any explosion of the highly volatile gas could be catastrophic, for people and for the environment. So why on Earth are two U.S. companies applying for permission to build LNG terminals in northeast Maine, where mammoth delivery tankers would have to negotiate an extremely hazardous passage between Canadian islands? And why is U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expected to push Ottawa during an upcoming visit to drop its staunch opposition to those terminals?

No one doubts that the United States needs reliable sources of energy to decrease its alliance on Middle East oil. In Maine, the liquefied gas from such nations as Algeria and Trinidad would be transported through pipelines to consumers in the U.S. Northeast. Delays are a setback. Mr. Wilson was clear that Canada, with its huge oil and gas reserves, stands ready to help the United States with its problem. The solution, however, should not endanger the fragile security of both nations. (Feb 20)

Corzine hopeful on LNG facility — Today's Sunbeam, Salem, NJ

"We are not saying that this Crown Landing project can't be built somewhere else in New Jersey," said David Frederick, special counsel for Delaware. "The problem here though is that BP has fixated on a place on the New Jersey shore where the Supreme Court decided ... the boundary is the low water mark, and Delaware has that sovereign power right up to the low water mark." (Mar 5)

State, county officials trumpet latest blocker of liquefied natural gas plant — The Examiner, Denver, CO

A bill introduced to the General Assembly Monday is the latest in an aggressive legislative strategy to derail an LNG facility planned off the Patapsco River on Sparrows Point peninsula. Mimicking recent Baltimore County legislation under appeal by energy firm AES Corp., the bill adds LNG terminals to prohibited facilities within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas of Baltimore County, Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County.

Coast Guard proposes safety zones for gas tankers — OregonLive.com

The Coast Guard will enforce a 500-yard safety zone around liquefied natural gas ships navigating the Columbia River, according to a report made public today. (Mar 1)

Mustang Engineering and Wood Group awarded US Patent for LNG Smart™ Air Vaporization process — Oil Online, Houston, TX

This environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient technology, marketed as the LNG Smart® Air Vaporization (SAV) process, uses a closed-loop intermediate fluid circulating through fin-fan heat exchangers to extract heat from ambient air to vaporize LNG from its cryogenic state at - 260°F back to pipeline temperatures for transporting and storage. (Mar 1)

Webmaster's Comments: This is the state-of-the-art technology for regasifying LNG; however, neither Downeast LNG or Quoddy Bay LNG plan on using it.

Lummis explore gas plant — The Bellingham Herald, Bellingham, WA

Besides jobs and environmental safeguards, the presentation also suggested that the tribe could earn revenue “potentially in excess of $10 million a year.”

CO2 output from shipping twice as much as airlines — Truthout.org

The figures from the oil giant BP, which owns 50 tankers, and researchers at the Institute for Physics and Atmosphere in Wessling, Germany reveal that annual emissions from shipping range between 600 and 800m tonnes of carbon dioxide, or up to 5% of the global total. This is nearly double Britain's total emissions and more than all African countries combined. (Mar 3)

Webmaster's Comments: What amount of greenhouse gases would Quoddy Bay LNG and Downeast LNG — and all the related waterway vessels — be contributing, if they could ever manage to hurdle the numerous insurmountable obstacles to their projects?

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