The Saint Croix Courier

2007 February 20

OPINION

By RICK DOUCET,
Charlotte Member of the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly

I have received several calls and emails from my constituents with respect to the development of the two LNG facilities in Maine.

As most of you know, the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) proceedings for the review of the applications to build Quoddy Bay LNG and Downeast LNG have begun. As promised by Premier Shawn Graham, the Province has applied and been granted intervener status in this process and I have been asked by the Premier to represent your interests in this process and at Cabinet.

As an intervener in the FERC process, the Province will ensure that a thorough review of these applications will take into account our safety and security concerns, and the environmental and economic impacts of such terminals on Passamaquoddy Bay.

We are encouraged that the federal government has stated a firm position with respect to navigational issues around LNG tanker transit through Head Harbour Passage.

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.

It is our understanding that the FERC review process typically lasts12–18 months. As it is a semijudiciary process, we will not be commenting on the specifics of our participation. As an intervener we can also ask for court review of the commission's decision.

I can assure you that the Province is present and active on this file and that we will exercise all our rights as an intervener.